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."