A man whose identity has not yet been confirmed climbed a towering billboard structure at the Gadar Lado area along Zaria Road in Kano State on Monday, in what is widely suspected to be a suicide attempt.
Eyewitnesses say the man remained atop the billboard for over an hour, visibly agitated and muttering incoherently to himself. Despite multiple appeals from bystanders and emergency responders, he refused to engage in conversation or respond to rescue efforts.
Due to the billboard’s extreme height and the man’s unpredictable behavior, first responders faced challenges in reaching him safely. The incident drew a large crowd and resulted in significant traffic congestion along the busy Zaria Road, as onlookers gathered to film the scene and authorities attempted to manage the situation.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Personnel from the Kano State Fire Service, along with police officers and paramedics, were deployed to the scene. After more than an hour of tense negotiation, rescue teams successfully brought the man down from the structure without injury.
He was immediately taken into protective custody and transported to a nearby medical facility for psychological evaluation.
A senior official with the Kano State Police Command told reporters that the motive behind the man’s actions is still under investigation, but early indications suggest mental health distress. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from sharing graphic footage of the incident on social media out of respect for the individual and his family.
Public Reaction and Mental Health Concerns
The incident has sparked renewed debate about the state of mental health awareness and support in Nigeria. Many on social media expressed concern that growing economic pressures and a lack of mental health resources are contributing to a rise in distress-related behavior.
“This is another reminder that we need stronger mental health infrastructure and open conversations around emotional well-being,” a local community leader said.
Authorities are calling on anyone who may recognize the individual or have information about his background to come forward.