.jpeg)
By: Manoah Kikekon
A yet-to-be-identified woman tragically ended her life by jumping off the Third Mainland Bridge into the Lagos Lagoon on Thursday, despite efforts by marine police officers to rescue her.
According to Lagos Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the incident occurred around 3 PM near the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront.
“On March 13, 2025, at approximately 1600 hours, an unidentified female jumped into the Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge. Marine police officers stationed in the area retrieved her body at the UNILAG shore slipway. Unfortunately, despite their swift response, she was confirmed dead by UNILAG medical personnel in the presence of officers from the Sabo Police Division,” Hundeyin stated.
The woman’s remains have been transferred to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) Mortuary in Yaba for preservation.
This tragic incident adds to a growing list of suicide cases linked to Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions. High inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living—exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies—have left many citizens in despair.
In January 2024, Amarachi Ugochukwu, a marketing employee at a bank in Ikorodu, took her own life after reportedly ingesting poison at her workplace. She left behind a heartbreaking suicide note detailing her struggles with financial difficulties, work pressure, and an uncertain future.
Similarly, in June 2024, Hassan Bayero from Nasarawa State died by suicide after accumulating an estimated N8 million in debt from a failed property business. Reports suggest he was defrauded and felt hopeless about repaying his debts.
The increasing number of suicides in Nigeria highlights the urgent need for economic reforms, mental health awareness, and accessible support systems for struggling individuals. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, seeking professional help or talking to a trusted individual can make a difference.