By Izunna Okafor, Awka
What would have become a major tragedy was narrowly averted in Onitsha, Anambra State, when a young man attempted to take his own life by jumping into the River Niger from the popular Bridge Head.
The victim, identified as 25-year-old Henry Okoroagwu from Ndukwe Village in Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, stunned pedestrians and traders in the area when he suddenly climbed over the railings and leapt into the river in a broad daylight.
The shocking scene immediately sparked unease as passersby and bystander started screamed for help on his behalf, prompting a very quick and professional response from rescue officials and boat operators nearby who immediately swung into action.
Speaking, the Unit Head of Marine at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engineer Omishola, confirmed the incident, noting that his team quickly mobilized to the scene after being alerted. According to him, their timely intervention was crucial in saving the young man from drowning.
Also speaking, a local boat operator, Mr. Peter Okenye, who also joined the rescue, recounted that they rushed towards the victim after noticing him in the water.
“By the time we reached him, he was already going under. It was by God’s grace that we pulled him out alive,” he said, while thanking God for using them to save yet another life.
Reacting after he was rescued and brought to safety, the survivor, Henry admitted that frustration and hopelessness pushed him to attempt suicide. He disclosed that he is the sixth child in his family and felt overwhelmed by personal struggles.
Following the rescue, he was handed over to the NIWA Police Command, where he is currently being kept for further care and evaluation.
The incident has stirred emotional reactions on social media, with many describing it as a wake-up call on the need to pay more attention to issues of depression and mental health. Residents also commended the swift action of NIWA’s rescue team and the boat operators, stressing that the intervention prevented what could have been another dark day at the River Niger.
