A potential tragedy was narrowly averted in Lagos on Tuesday after a 33-year-old man jumped into the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge but was rescued moments later.
The man, identified simply as Olu, reportedly parked his silver Lexus SUV around the Yaba axis of the bridge before plunging into the water.
Eyewitnesses said he was quickly spotted, prompting swift intervention. The Divisional Police Officer in Yaba, CSP Adegbemi Isiaka, was alerted and immediately mobilised a nearby fisherman, who pulled the victim out of the lagoon.
He was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he received treatment.
Sources disclosed that Olu, said to be based in Ibadan, Oyo State, had travelled to Lagos with the intention of taking his own life.
According to accounts, he had suffered significant losses from cryptocurrency investments, which left him distressed and overwhelmed.
“He drove from Ibadan to Lagos just to jump from the bridge. He said he lost money in his investment and could not cope,” an eyewitness recounted.
The witness added that the DPO had to offer a token to the fisherman to ensure the rescue was carried out swiftly.
Confirming the incident, Lagos Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the man has since been discharged from the hospital and reunited with his family, who arrived from Ibadan after being contacted.
She added that the family has undertaken to get him professional help at a rehabilitation centre.
Adebisi also noted that the victim was counselled and warned against attempting suicide, which is considered an offence under Nigerian law.
The incident gained public attention after businessman Isaac Fayose shared a video online, urging people to check on loved ones.
In the now-viral clip, a witness narrated how Olu parked his vehicle, left his phones behind, and jumped into the lagoon, before help arrived just in time to save him.
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