Desperate Act in Osogbo
On the morning of July 6th, 2024, a tragic plunge unfolded in Osogbo, Osun State, as a man known only as Femi leapt into the Osun River from the Gbodofon Bridge, expressing his anguish over personal hardships.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses near Gbodofon Bridge observed Femi approaching the bridge at 10:30 AM, walking from the Old Governor’s Office. A local vulcaniser saw Femi pause in the middle of the bridge, looking visibly distressed. Moments later, Femi made the desperate decision to jump into the river below.
Emergency Response Mobilized
Following the incident, emergency services were quickly alerted. The Osun State Fire Service, led by spokesperson Ibrahim Adekunle, responded to the call for a rescue operation. Despite prompt efforts, the search was complicated by the overflowing river, and Femi’s body remains unrecovered as of last reports.
Repeat Incident Raises Concerns
This was Femi’s second suicide attempt; previously, passersby intervened after noticing his distressed behavior on the bridge. Kehinde Adeleke of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps confirmed Femi’s prior attempt and ongoing struggles. Adeleke highlighted a recent violent incident at a fast food joint that exacerbated Femi’s distress.
Community Reaction and Support
The community has expressed deep concern over Femi’s mental health and the circumstances leading to his drastic actions. Local authorities and mental health advocates are calling for increased support and resources to address mental health issues within the community.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Preventive Measures
As the search for Femi continues, the community and local officials stress the importance of vigilance and support for individuals displaying signs of distress or depression, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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