Man Climbs High-Tension Pole In Adamawa, Demands President Tinubu’s Resignation

The Adamawa State Police Command, on Saturday night, rescued and arrested a young man who climbed a 33kv high-tension pole in Mayo-Belwa, the headquarters of Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area, with a dramatic demand that President Bola Tinubu must resign before he would descend. The incident, which occurred on Friday morning—coinciding with the town’s market day—caused a significant stir among locals and passersby along the busy Yola-Jalingo highway.

The young man, whose identity the police have chosen not to disclose for now, climbed the high-voltage power line and, according to witnesses, refused all attempts to bring him down peacefully unless his demand that the president vacates office was met. His actions quickly garnered attention, drawing a crowd while creating a potentially dangerous situation due to the high voltage of the 33kv power lines.

SP Suleiman Nguruje, the Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Police Command, confirmed the incident on Sunday evening. He revealed that the young man was rescued on Saturday night after the police engaged local residents to help resolve the situation. Nguruje praised the collaborative efforts of the local community, stating that their intervention was critical in convincing the man to climb down from the high-tension pole.

Nguruje further disclosed that the man is currently in custody at the state capital in Yola, specifically in the Criminal Investigative Department of the Adamawa Police Command, where he is under protective custody. According to him, the police are set to parade the individual publicly on Monday, and he will be charged with attempting suicide. The PPRO noted that under Nigerian law, attempting suicide is a criminal offense, and the man will face legal consequences.

“It is the constitutional duty of the police to protect lives and property, and this includes safeguarding the life of any individual attempting to end their own life. The law is clear on this matter: attempting suicide is a criminal offense under our constitution, and we will charge him to court accordingly,” Nguruje said.

Despite efforts by journalists to obtain more information about the man’s identity, the police have remained tight-lipped, promising to release further details in due course. Multiple inquiries to the police spokesperson by reporters went unanswered at the time of this report.

The unusual protest, which occurred in the midst of Mayo-Belwa’s busy market day, quickly drew attention from the local community, with onlookers expressing shock at the extreme measures the man took to voice his discontent. Some speculated that the man may have been motivated by deep personal or political frustrations, though the police have yet to confirm any details about his motivations or state of mind.

Reports from local sources indicated that the police took their time in handling the situation, carefully avoiding any escalation that could lead to injury or worse. It was the involvement of locals that eventually led to a breakthrough, as they engaged with the man in the Hausa language, appealing to him and assuring him of a peaceful resolution.

As of Sunday evening, the young man remained in protective custody, with police stating that they were conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. The Adamawa State Police Command emphasized that they are treating the case seriously due to the life-threatening nature of the incident and the potential danger posed by the man’s proximity to high-voltage electricity.

The case has raised discussions about mental health and civil unrest in the country, with some commentators suggesting that the young man’s actions reflect broader societal frustrations. However, police officials have refrained from commenting on the underlying causes behind the incident, focusing instead on enforcing the law regarding attempted suicide.

Nguruje reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and preventing harm. “As law enforcement officers, it is our duty to ensure that no life is lost unnecessarily. We understand that people may have grievances, but attempting to take one’s own life or endanger others is not the solution. We urge individuals to seek lawful and peaceful means of expressing their concerns,” he said.

The incident highlights the complexities law enforcement faces when dealing with public protests and individuals who engage in extreme actions to demand political change. The Adamawa State Police Command has affirmed its responsibility to uphold the law while also ensuring that individuals in distress receive appropriate care and legal consequences where necessary.

Further updates are expected as the police continue their investigation and prepare to charge the man in court for attempting suicide.