Father of Two Electrocuted While Working on High Tension Pole

A man identified simply as Amas, a father of two, lost his life yesterday while working on a high tension pole in Ekeki community, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The incident occurred near the Police Divisional Headquarters on Azikoro Road.

According to eyewitnesses, Amas, who was not an employee of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), was attempting to connect clients to the national grid when he was electrocuted. Despite residing in the neighborhood, Amas had taken on the risky task due to the unreliable power supply in the state. Many residents prefer the federal line, which typically provides 12 to 13 hours of power daily.

Amas, originally from Nembe Local Government Area, was reportedly stuck on the pole for several hours before PHCN officials arrived. Unfortunately, he had already passed away by the time they reached him.

Michael Orubo, a resident of Azikoro Road and an eyewitness, described Amas as an easy-going man who took on electrical work to support his family. Orubo recounted, “Amas lived on our street and did most of the connection work in this area. It’s unfortunate that death came to him in such a manner. He just left us where we were playing a chess game and said he was coming back but never returned. Who will take care of the two kids he has left behind?”

Another witness, known only as Ebi, recalled, “He just passed me not more than five minutes after the rain stopped. The next thing I heard was people screaming. We rushed to the scene but couldn’t help because he was wearing a belt that held him tight to the pole. Onlookers were scared as it was still raining.”

After being suspended on the pole for hours, Amas’ lifeless body was eventually removed by PHCN officials. Attempts to reach the Police spokesman for Bayelsa State Command, ASP Musa Muhammed, for confirmation were unsuccessful as his phone rang out multiple times.