On September 4, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the Lagos State Police Command reported a dramatic intervention on the Third Mainland Bridge.
Ewenla Adetomiwa, a 65-year-old visually impaired man, was stopped from jumping into the lagoon by quick-acting passersby.
The incident was highlighted by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, who detailed that Adetomiwa, accompanied by his two children, believed his death would ensure that the government would take responsibility for their care.
Alerted by a concerned citizen, the police responded swiftly. Hundeyin explained,
“We received a distress call about a man with his children attempting to commit suicide. A Good Samaritan’s timely intervention and the subsequent police action prevented the tragedy.”
Upon arrival, officers found Adetomiwa, his 16-year-old daughter, and 12-year-old son on the bridge. They were taken to the police station for safety. During questioning, Adetomiwa revealed his intentions were driven by a belief that his death would result in government support for his children.
In a related incident on August 30, 2024, police rescued an 18-year-old named Elijah, who was struggling with mental health issues and also attempted to jump from the Third Mainland Bridge. He was subsequently returned to his family’s care.
These events follow a similar rescue in June 2024, where the Rapid Response Squad saved an American citizen from the same location.
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of public vigilance and reporting any suspicious behavior to help prevent such incidents.
Be the first to comment