National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
Tayo Olanipekun
The Nigeria Police has declared untrue an online report making the rounds on Monday that an unidentified young man attempted to commit suicide by jumping down the ledge of a pedestrian bridge at Jakande along the Lekki-Epe Expressway before policemen stopped him.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmus, debunked the news that went viral for the better part of the day, after speaking with the DPO of the area, who also confirmed no such incident happened.
“I just spoke with the DPO of that area. Nothing like that happened,” said Badmus.
A Twitter user, The Goddess with the handle @Brendalishus, had twitted around 10 am, with two photographs of a man on the ledge with onlookers bending over on the bridge, that “Somebody is trying to commit suicide at jakande Idk what can be done.”
The user also sent a follow up post, “They have been trying to convince him not to. The police is here,” with another photograph showing police at the foot of the bridge.
Many internet users had believed the story to be true with several retweets from individuals and at least a notable local TV station and famous bloggers such as Lindaikeji ,Bellanaija and Olufamous, among others, asking their audience to comment on what they thought could have prompted the man’s action.
Some of those commenting said the hardship in Nigeria could have prompted it with many others so sarcastic and recommending other options and advising that suicide is an offence. Some also said the man was probably pasting advertisement posters.
However, most road users and traders spoken to by our correspondent around the scene of the purported incident said they were not aware of any incidents as such.
