On a somber Saturday in Osogbo, Osun State, a man named Femi tragically ended his life by jumping into the Osun River, deeply troubled by the challenges he was facing. According to a witness near the scene, Femi stood on the Gbodofon bridge along Osogbo/Gbongan road around 10:30 am and took a leap into the river below.
A vulcaniser working nearby, who chose not to disclose his identity for safety reasons, recounted seeing Femi descend from the Old Governor’s Office end of Osogbo/Gbongan road. He paused on the bridge momentarily before plunging into the waters of the Osun River. The sudden and desperate act left those around in a state of shock and fear.
The Osun State Fire Service swiftly responded to the emergency. Ibrahim Adekunle, spokesperson for the agency, reported that despite their efforts, the river’s high water level posed challenges in locating Femi’s body. As of Saturday evening, Femi had not been found.
Kehinde Adeleke, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, identified the victim as Femi. He disclosed that Femi had previously attempted suicide but was thwarted by concerned individuals who intervened when they noticed his distress on the bridge.
Adeleke revealed further details: On July 6th, 2024, at precisely 10:30 am, Femi, the only son of his parents and a native of Ilesha, tragically jumped into the Gbodofon River. Prior to his fatal decision, Femi had expressed anguish, claiming he had been severely assaulted by a group of individuals at a fast-food joint in the OgoOluwa area. This incident apparently pushed him over the edge, leading him to decide to end his life.
During the subsequent investigation, eyewitnesses recounted how Femi initially attempted suicide but was dissuaded by others. However, he returned later, expressing utter despair with life’s challenges. Shortly thereafter, he climbed to the top of the Gbodofon Bridge and leaped into the river below.
The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event. Authorities underscored the importance of mental health awareness and urged those facing difficulties to seek support and assistance. Efforts to recover Femi’s body persist as residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and supportive of one another during this difficult time.
This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the silent struggles many endure and the need for accessible mental health resources within communities. Counseling services and support networks are available for individuals experiencing emotional distress, emphasizing the importance of seeking help before reaching a crisis point.
The loss of Femi has deeply impacted Osogbo, prompting reflection on how to better support individuals facing mental health challenges. The community mourns his passing and stands together in solidarity advocating for greater awareness and compassion towards those battling inner turmoil.