Two suicide attempts along the Third Mainland Bridge were thwarted by Lagos State Police Command operations.
Reports stated that on September 4, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., a visually handicapped man, 65-year-old Ewenla Adetomiwa, attempted suicide by plunging into the lagoon.
He was saved. On Sunday, September 9, Benjamin Hundeyin, the state Police Command’s spokesperson, verified the incidences to Punch.
The man allegedly planned to take his own life and brought his two children to the Third Mainland Bridge, believing that the government would take care of them once he passed away.
But before the man could jump into the lagoon, onlookers realized what he was going to do and intervened.
“There was a distress call that a man with his two children attempted to commit suicide by trying to jump into the lagoon on the third mainland bridge in the state,” the PPRO said.
“He was prevented by a good Samaritan who alerted the police through the control room. Upon the receipt of the information, a team of policemen was sent to the scene where the victim, who lived in Ikorodu, and his two children were seen on the bridge.
“The victim and his 16-year-old girl and 12-year-old boy were taken to the station. During interrogation, the man admitted that he intended to commit suicide to enable the government to take charge of his children’s wellbeing if he had succeeded.”
The representative for the command further mentioned that on August 30, 2024, Elijah, an 18-year-old teenager who was thought to be mentally ill, was also saved after trying to leap into the same lagoon.
The youngster was subsequently given to his family for care after the police made quick contact with them.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
