A 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, was rescued by the Marine Police Unit of the Lagos State Police Command after attempting to take his life by jumping into the Lagos lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge on June 8, 2026. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., when officers received a report of a man plunging into the water from the bridge. Responding immediately, marine police operatives, with the help of local fishermen, successfully pulled Babalola from the lagoon and brought him to safety.
Babalola, identified as a painter from Iwo Road in Ibadan, Oyo State, had travelled to Lagos that day without informing anyone of his destination. He told authorities that he was overwhelmed by financial struggles and feelings of hopelessness, which led him to jump into the lagoon. He also disclosed that his mobile phone was lost during the incident, complicating efforts to contact his family initially.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the rescue and stated that Babalola had been stabilised and was under police care. He noted that this was the second such incident in three months, highlighting the growing concern over mental health and suicide attempts in the state. “He was rescued with the help of fishermen in the area,” Adebisi said, underscoring the importance of community involvement in emergency situations.
The police spokesperson stressed the need for public cooperation in crime prevention and emergency response. He urged community leaders, boat operators, fishermen, and other stakeholders in riverine areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or marine unit. “Effective policing thrives on partnership between the police and the public,” he added, emphasizing that timely and credible information can save lives.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. They encouraged residents to stay alert and work closely with security agencies to prevent such tragedies. As mental health challenges continue to affect young Nigerians, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness, support systems, and accessible counselling services. The rescue of Joshua Babalola offers hope, but the broader issue of youth despair and financial hardship demands sustained attention and action from all sectors of society.
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