Another woman jumps to death off 3MB as hard times drive up suicides across Nigeria

There have been several reported cases of people jumping into the Lagos lagoon in suicide attempts amid the economic hardship in the country.

Tosin Ajuwon • March 14, 2025

Third Mainland Bridge

A yet-to-be-identified woman has reportedly committed suicide by jumping off the third Mainland Bridge into the Lagos lagoon.

The incident occurred on Thursday despite concerted efforts by the marine police officers stationed at the lagoon to rescue her.

Lagos police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the incident in a statement.

“Today, March 13, 2025, at about 1600 hours, an unidentified woman reportedly jumped from the Third Mainland Bridge into the water near the UNILAG waterfront at approximately 1500 hours.

“She was recovered at the University of Lagos shore slipway by a team of marine police officers stationed in the area. Despite their efforts, she was confirmed dead by a team of UNILAG medical doctors in the presence of officers from the Sabo Police Division,” Mr Hundeyin said in the statement.

He added that the corpse of the woman had been evacuated to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) Mortuary in Yaba, Lagos, for preservation.

There have been several reported cases of people jumping into the Lagos lagoon and other means of suicide amid the hardship occasioned by President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, which have seen unemployment, inflation and cost of living increase drastically.

In January 2024, a marketing employee with a bank in Ikorodu, Amarachi Ugochukwu, reportedly committed suicide due to economic hardship in the country.

Ms Ugochukwu, 32, was said to have left behind a suicide note after she allegedly ingested a poisonous substance within the bank premises.

“Nothing is working in my life. My figures are low. My brain is clogged up. The economy is getting harder,” she stated. “My decisions are wrong. My mind is messed up. The future doesn’t seem bright at all. I see extreme hardship. I can’t bear the pain anymore.”

Also, in June of the same year, another victim, Hassan Bayero from Giza town in Keana LGA of Nasarawa State, reportedly committed suicide over alleged debt estimated at N8 million.

Mr Bayero, who was into the property business, was said to have been duped and felt he could not repay the debts.

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