A 25-year-old man, identified as Henry Okoroagwu, has been rescued after attempting to take his own life by jumping into the River Niger from the popular bridge head in Asaba, Delta State.
Eyewitnesses said the young man, from Ndukwe Village, Amasiri in Afikpo North local government area, Ebonyi State, climbed the railings and leapt into the river, causing panic among passersby who raised an alarm.
The swift intervention from boat operators and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) rescue team prevented what could have ended in tragedy.
Confirming the incident, the head of the NIWA Marine Unit, Mr Omishola, explained that his team acted promptly after receiving the distress call.
“The timely intervention of my team was crucial in saving the young man from drowning,” he stated.
One of the rescuers, Peter Okenye, a local boat operator, recalled how they rushed to the scene and pulled Henry out before he went under.
“By the time we reached him, he was already sinking. It was by God’s grace that we brought him out alive,” he said.
After regaining consciousness, Henry admitted that frustration and hopelessness pushed him to attempt suicide.
He revealed that, as the sixth child in his family, he had been overwhelmed by personal struggles, which were exacerbated by the recent information he had received.
He was later handed over to the NIWA Police Command for further care and evaluation.
Meanwhile, an investigation has revealed that the suicide may not be unconnected to the Monday crash near the Second Niger Bridge in Delta State, where eight people were killed, several people were injured, and goods worth millions were lost to the accident.
The accident involved a Bua truck and two other vehicles, where those injured were rushed to St Rebecca’s hospital near Mammy Market for treatment.
“The Bua truck allegedly lost control and rammed into traders and passersby near Oko Market, close to the Onitsha Tollgate.
According to multiple reports, it left at least eight people dead and dozens injured. Many victims were rushed to St. Rebecca Hospital in Mami Market, Asaba, for urgent treatment, while emergency responders were on the scene providing assistance.
“Unfortunately, the man rescued was said to be a trader in the market whose relation died, and goods worth millions were said to be lost to the accident, which informed the decision to commit suicide.
Eyewitnesses confirmed they saw a truck carrying cement travelling at high speed, trying to navigate through the bridge, but couldn’t control it, and it eventually fell.
“The truck crushed two other vehicles, and many people died, others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to St Rebecca’s hospital along Nnebisi Road in Asaba.
The sector commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta State Command, Mr Frederick Ogidan, who confirmed the truck clash, blamed the truck driver for being overly speedy.
“Four persons confirmed dead, the vehicle involved is not a Dangote but a Bua truck that carries cement.
“It’s unfortunate that the crash occurred in that very good part of the road; it shows that the driver was probably speeding and lost control,” Ogidan stated.
However, residents praised the swift response of the rescue teams and boat drivers, noting that their action prevented another tragedy on the River Niger.
