A tense situation unfolded in Awada, Anambra State, on Tuesday evening when a young man attempted to take his own life by climbing a high-tension electricity pole.
The incident occurred behind the Grace of God Mission Church, located off NEPA Road, Awada, drawing the attention of residents and passersby.
According to reports, the man was seen scaling the tall transmission pole, sparking panic among onlookers who feared the worst.
Eyewitnesses said many people quickly alerted the police, while others tried to persuade the man to come down.
Operatives from Awada Police Division responded swiftly to the distress call and arrived at the scene within minutes.
On arrival, the officers immediately cordoned off the area to prevent casualties in case of an accident and to control the large crowd that had gathered.
The police, together with some concerned citizens, engaged the man in dialogue for several minutes in a bid to convince him to descend.
After much persuasion, the man eventually climbed down safely to the relief of the crowd and security personnel.
He was promptly taken into protective custody by the police and later identified himself as Mr. Okwudili David Onyiba, aged 28.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has since directed that Onyiba undergo a comprehensive medical and mental health evaluation.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command is committed to ensuring the victim receives the support he needs.
The Commissioner further assured that the police would work with relevant health and social institutions to provide necessary care for Onyiba.
He also used the opportunity to appeal to members of the public to seek peaceful and lawful solutions when facing personal challenges.
The Command advised individuals in distress to reach out to family members, friends, religious leaders, or support groups instead of resorting to dangerous actions.
Police authorities said further updates regarding Onyiba’s condition and the outcome of his evaluation would be communicated in due course.
