The Anambra State Police Command has successfully intervened to save a man who attempted to take his life by scaling a high-tension electricity pole in Awada, Onitsha.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Awka.
According to the statement obtained by The News Chronicle, officers from the Awada Police Division responded swiftly to a distress call on Tuesday evening after the man was spotted climbing the transmission pole in what appeared to be a suicide attempt.
“On receiving the distress information, the operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene, cordoned off the area to prevent danger, and controlled the large crowd that had gathered.
“After several minutes of persuasion by the police and some concerned members of the public, the man eventually climbed down safely.
“He was immediately taken into protective custody at the station, where he identified himself and disclosed his age,” Ikenga stated.
He further explained that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed that the man be given proper medical care, including a mental health assessment, to determine his condition.
Orutugu assured that the police would extend necessary assistance to guarantee the individual’s recovery and reintegration. He urged citizens facing difficulties to embrace lawful and peaceful ways of addressing their problems by reaching out to family, friends, or support groups instead of resorting to self-harm.
The police command added that updates on the situation will be made available in due course.
