Man rescued from committing
suicide
By Sun News Publishing
Thursday, March 23, 2006
But for providence, a 30-year-old man would have committed suicide
in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital as he attempted jumping into the
Ogun River.
Rashidi Ashimi was rescued by a cleric who simply identified himself
as Prophet Abegunde of the Celestial Church of Christ, Olomore,
Abeokuta.
Daily Sun learnt that Rashidi had arrived the Ogun River second
bridge penultimate Saturday and had already removed his pair of
slippers and almost jumped into the river when Prophet Abegunde
sighted him from a distance.
"He attempted to scale the railings on the bridge into the river,
but fell on the bridge when Abegunde supported by other good
Samaritans rescued him from the deadly mission," Rashidi’s neighbour,
Mr Timothy Karole explained.
Rashidi who lives at 25, Isale Igbein area of Abeokuta was said to
have told the rescuers that he was fed up with life and added that
his best friend in life whose name he did not disclose had disagreed
with him on an issue. He was also said to be ashamed that he could
not refund an undisclosed sum of money his friend lent him.
It was further learnt that Rashidi had in the past suffered a
psychological problem, which led to his being hospitalised for
months.
Besides his imbalance mental state and his alleged disagreement with
a neighbour, Daily Sun learnt that Rashidi had complained about his
inability to secure a job which would sustain him.
"We have to express gratitude to God for sending Prophet Abegunde to
him; he would have ended his life just like that. As a neighbour,
I’m aware of his search for job since the past three years which did
not succeed. However, this is not enough to take his life. I think
he’s under a spell," Mr Karole added.
The incident was, however, not reported to the police as a source at
the Divisional Police headquarters, Lafenwa said: "We don’t have a
record of such an incident here, but we have heard that someone
wanted to take his life on the Ogun River bridge." |