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Boat Operators Rescue Woman Who Jumped Into Lagos Lagoon From Carter Bridge

Published

2 months ago

August 5, 2026

Boat Operators Rescue Woman Who Jumped Into Lagos Lagoon From Carter Bridge

Panic broke out around the Idumota-Carter Bridge in Lagos on Tuesday after a woman was rescued from the Lagos Lagoon, in what witnesses described as an apparent suicide attempt. The incident drew the attention of commuters, pedestrians, and local boat operators, who responded swiftly to bring her to safety. Eyewitnesses said the woman plunged into the lagoon on Tuesday afternoon before nearby boat operators quickly moved towards her and successfully pulled her out of the water alive. A video of the incident, shared on X by user CHUKS (@ChuksEricE), showed the woman seated inside a wooden canoe moments after she was brought out of the water. She appeared visibly shaken and disoriented as one of the fishermen paddled the canoe away from the bridge. The footage captured bystanders gathered on the bridge, with many expressing concern about the woman’s condition and speculating about what may have driven her to jump into the lagoon. A woman speaking in Yoruba was heard asking, “What were you thinking to that extent?” while another bystander remarked, “I can never kill myself because of thinking.” Some members of the public were also heard appealing to the boat operator not to immediately hand the woman over to the police, reflecting concerns about her emotional state. Others responded, “Pray to never be in that position.” The successful rescue has highlighted the importance of a swift emergency response, as the presence of boat operators in the area—who are often close to the water—can be critical during such emergencies. The incident has also sparked conversations online about the growing need for mental health awareness, emotional support systems, and timely intervention for individuals experiencing psychological distress. Reacting to the video, an X user, James JERRY, questioned why the woman appeared to be sitting alone in the canoe after being rescued. “But why is she alone? What if she jumps again? The man is paddling his canoe, who will help out, then?” he wrote. Another user, Kingkosec, described the rescue as both a blessing and a challenge for the woman, writing, “Worst and best thing that can happen to anyone is to be rescued like her. Worst for not fulfilling your wish, best that you will still live again.”

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident, and details about the woman’s identity, age, and condition remain unknown. It is also not clear whether she was taken to a hospital, placed in the care of relatives, or referred for psychological support. The Lagos State Police Command and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) have not commented on the rescue. The absence of an official update has left many concerned about the woman’s post-rescue care, particularly given the psychological trauma associated with such incidents.

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The incident adds to a growing list of cases involving people entering the Lagos Lagoon from major bridges in the city. In recent months and years, there have been several similar occurrences, with some ending tragically and others resulting in successful rescues. In June 2026, the Marine Police Unit of the Lagos State Police Command rescued a 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, after he jumped into the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge. He told authorities he had acted out of overwhelming financial difficulties and feelings of hopelessness. Police confirmed he was the second person in three months to be rescued from the lagoon. In July 2025, police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) rescued an elderly woman from Carter Bridge. She was counselled and released into the care of her husband and son. The police had earlier in the year rescued a 35-year-old woman from the lagoon at Falomo Bridge in Ikoyi, with the state government offering her psychological and social support. In April 2023, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the death of a man, identified as Buka Abana, after he entered the lagoon from the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge. His body was recovered two days later. There have also been several other successful rescue efforts: in July 2020, police operatives rescued a 45-year-old man, Adeyinka Abiodun, who reportedly attempted to enter the lagoon from a bridge. At the time, the incident was described as the eighth such attempt prevented within two months. In September 2021, police stopped a 54-year-old Oworonsoki resident, Akinlolu Ajayi, from entering the lagoon at the Third Mainland Bridge. In April 2022, a 67-year-old Ogun State resident, Oluwatoye Bamigboye, was rescued after a similar incident on the Third Mainland Bridge. In May 2023, police reportedly prevented a 25-year-old street hawker, Rabiu Nafiu, from entering the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge. In November 2023, soldiers attached to the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army rescued Francesca Spark after she entered the lagoon at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess in Marina. In June 2024, passersby and officers of the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command intervened to prevent an American citizen from entering the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.

Experts say the priority after such incidents should be ensuring the person’s immediate safety and connecting them with appropriate medical, psychological, and social support. Rather than judging or ridiculing people in distress, members of the public can help by listening, offering support, and directing them to professional assistance. The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has in the past offered counselling and rehabilitation support to individuals rescued from such situations. However, many residents have called for more robust mental health infrastructure and greater public awareness to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional or call a helpline. You are not alone.

Boat Operators Rescue Woman Who Jumped Into Lagos Lagoon From Carter Bridge

Related Topics:boat operators Carter Bridge Lagos lagoon

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Delta Police Intercept Sienna With Military Uniforms, Suspected Drugs

Published

3 hours ago

September 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Osun Guber: IGP Deploys New Election CP as INEC Identifies 11 Flashpoint LGAs

Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale

Delta Police Intercept Sienna With Military Uniforms, Suspected Drugs

The Delta State Police Command has intercepted a Toyota Sienna allegedly conveying military camouflage uniforms, boots, hats and cartons of suspected illicit drugs, arresting the driver in the process.

The interception was carried out on Friday, September 18, 2026, by operatives of the command’s Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, following intelligence about the movement of the vehicle from Onitsha in Anambra State towards Ondo State.

The police said operatives mounted surveillance along the anticipated route and intercepted a green Toyota Sienna with registration number KP 527 AAA at about 4:50am.

The vehicle was allegedly driven by Isaac Urji, 45, from Abia State, who was arrested after the search.

According to the police, officers recovered cartons of substances suspected to be Tramadol and other illicit drugs, alongside military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.

Edafe said investigation had commenced to determine the source and intended destination of the recovered items and identify other people who may have been connected with the consignment.

The interception comes amid a wider crackdown by the command on kidnapping, cultism, illicit drugs and illegal firearms across Delta State.

In a separate operation on September 18, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, arrested two suspected cultists at Alisheme Community in Ika South Local Government Area.

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The suspects, identified as Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22, were allegedly linked to cultism and kidnapping-related activities.

Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the two suspects identified themselves as members of the NBM Confraternity. Officers reportedly recovered a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop.

In another operation on September 15, police and other security personnel conducted a cordon-and-search operation around Ogboli Quarter and other areas of Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area following intelligence about suspected cult activities.

Four suspected cultists were arrested during the operation, while police said they recovered two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges.

The arrests and recoveries are part of the Delta Police Command’s intelligence-led operations targeting criminal activities across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, said the command would sustain operations against kidnapping, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

He also urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies, assuring the public that information supplied to the police would be treated confidentially.

Meanwhile, the driver arrested in connection with the intercepted Sienna remains in police custody as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the movement of the military uniforms and suspected illicit drugs.

The police have not announced any charges against the suspect, and the investigation is expected to determine whether other individuals were involved in the consignment.

Delta Police Intercept Sienna With Military Uniforms, Suspected Drugs

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Jehovah’s Witnesses Adjust Blood Transfusion Rules, Allow Personal Choice

Published

3 hours ago

September 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Jehovah’s Witnesses Adjust Blood Transfusion Rules, Allow Personal Choice

The Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced a major adjustment to their longstanding blood transfusion policy, allowing individual members to decide according to personal conscience whether to accept or donate four major blood components.

The new position covers red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets derived from another person’s blood. The decision was announced by the organisation’s Governing Body on Friday, September 18, 2026, from its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York.

Under the revised policy, members can personally decide whether to accept medical treatment involving any of the four components. They can also decide whether to donate blood for the production of components or fractions intended for another person’s treatment.

The organisation stressed that its prohibition on whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged. The position is based on its interpretation of the biblical instruction to “abstain from blood.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses said decisions involving the four components are now matters of individual conscience, meaning local congregations are not to interfere with or judge members over such choices.

International spokesman Paul Gillies said the organisation continued to regard blood and life as sacred while recognising that decisions concerning the four components should be made personally by individual Witnesses.

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The adjustment follows a policy clarification announced in March 2026 concerning the use of a member’s own blood during medical procedures. That position also left the decision to individual conscience where blood is removed, stored and subsequently returned during treatment.

According to the organisation, the latest decision reflects its interpretation that the Bible does not specifically address whether members should accept the four primary blood components in medical treatment.

The organisation said its members seek professional medical care and do not practise faith healing. It also said healthcare professionals should discuss individual decisions concerning blood components directly with patients and respect those choices.

The medical uses of the components vary. Red blood cells can be used to replace blood lost through surgery or serious injury, while platelets help manage certain bleeding conditions. Plasma is used in several treatments involving bleeding and clotting disorders, while white blood cells have more specialised clinical applications.

The Associated Press reported that the revised policy permits members to receive products derived from donated blood while retaining the prohibition on whole-blood transfusions.

Jehovah’s Witnesses said the organisation has more than nine million members worldwide, with congregations in more than 200 countries and territories.

The September decision represents a significant change in the organisation’s approach to the four major blood components, with responsibility for accepting or donating them now placed on individual members.

The ban on whole-blood transfusions, however, remains in place.

Jehovah’s Witnesses Adjust Blood Transfusion Rules, Allow Personal Choice

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Akpabio Links Okowa’s APC Defection to EFCC Investigation

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

Akpabio Links Okowa’s APC Defection to EFCC Investigation

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) partly because of concerns over an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Akpabio made the allegation while discussing political developments in Delta State in an audio recording involving Sandra Duru, which was circulated publicly and reported by Nigerian media organisations.

According to reports quoting the recording, Akpabio said Okowa’s defection to the APC was influenced by fears surrounding the corruption allegations against him, rather than solely by political considerations.

The Senate President was also quoted as saying that Okowa was not involved in discussions surrounding the emergence of the current APC leadership, claiming that key decisions had already been taken before the former governor joined the party.

Akpabio further claimed that he played a role in helping Okowa secure the APC senatorial ticket for Delta North ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The allegation has emerged against the backdrop of the EFCC investigation into Okowa, which dates back to his tenure as Delta governor between 2015 and 2023.

Okowa was arrested and questioned by the EFCC in November 2024 over allegations involving the management of funds accruing to Delta State through the 13 per cent derivation allocation from the Federation Account.

The investigation has also focused on alleged investments and assets associated with the former governor, including interests linked to the UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project and properties in Asaba and Abuja.

Okowa has denied wrongdoing and previously said he was not afraid of being investigated, maintaining that funds belonging to Delta State were used appropriately during his administration.

The former governor’s political move to the APC did not bring the EFCC investigation to an end.

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The anti-graft agency has previously stated that Okowa’s defection to the APC would not stop its investigation. In a more recent development, Okowa visited the EFCC’s Lagos office in June 2026 amid the continuing investigation.

Reports at the time said the visit was connected with efforts to secure the release of his international passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment. There was no indication that the visit amounted to a fresh arrest.

The EFCC has maintained that the investigation remains active. Its Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, was quoted as saying that the case was still undergoing investigation and that the commission would act based on its findings.

The continuing investigation is significant in assessing the context of Akpabio’s latest allegation, but the EFCC’s position does not establish that the investigation was the reason for Okowa’s defection.

Okowa joined the APC in April 2025, alongside his successor, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, several commissioners, local government chairpersons and other political leaders who previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

At the time, Okowa explained the decision in terms of Delta State’s relationship with the Federal Government.

He said the state needed to establish stronger links with the Federal Government in Abuja because of its contribution to the national economy and the resources available at the federal level.

The former governor had previously served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election.

His subsequent move to the APC represented a significant political realignment in Delta State and brought him into the same party as Governor Oborevwori and other former PDP leaders in the state.

Okowa has since secured the APC ticket for the Delta North senatorial contest scheduled for the 2027 elections.

Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, has also become involved in the political arrangements surrounding Okowa’s new role within the APC.

The Senate President’s latest comments have nevertheless raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the former governor’s defection, particularly because the EFCC investigation remains unresolved.

However, no public evidence has established that Okowa joined the APC in order to stop or avoid prosecution by the EFCC. Akpabio’s statement is an allegation about the former governor’s motivation, while Okowa’s publicly stated reason for joining the APC centred on the political and developmental interests of Delta State.

The allegations also come as political parties and their leading figures intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with defections and alliances continuing to reshape party structures across the country.

For now, the established position is that the EFCC investigation involving Okowa remains ongoing, while the reason Akpabio has attributed to the former governor’s APC defection remains his own claim.

The outcome of the EFCC investigation and any future response from Okowa could provide further clarity on the issues surrounding the allegations.