By:Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has issued a strong safety advisory to tipper drivers and construction workers following the tragic electrocution of a driver in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
According to a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the incident occurred on October 17, 2025, when a tipper driver identified as Mr. Edu Obot was electrocuted while tipping sand under a high-tension power line at Utu Ikot Ekpenyong Village.
Police officers from the Ikot Ekpene Division swiftly responded to the scene, evacuated the victim’s remains, and deposited them at the mortuary. The deceased’s family has been contacted, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is underway.
Describing the tragedy as a recurring and preventable hazard, the Command cautioned all tipper drivers, sand excavators, and construction site operators against working under or near electrical wires, warning that such negligence often results in instant fatalities.
“Electrocution is an immediate and fatal risk. The immense electrical power in these cables can arc or jump to machinery at close range, with deadly consequences,” the statement read.
The Command advised operators to survey their surroundings, maintain a safe distance from power lines, and observe all safety warnings before beginning operations.
Reiterating his commitment to public safety, Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammad Azare, fsi, called on transport and construction stakeholders to adopt strict safety protocols, stressing that “no amount of convenience is worth a human life.”
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to protecting lives and property while urging all citizens to remain safety-conscious at worksites across the state.
About The Author
