Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has paid off the debt of Adeyinka Abiodun, a man who attempted suicide over a ₦390,000 loan he collected from a Microfinance bank.
Adeyinka is a 45 year old father of two and a Masters degree holder who had attempted suicide over the loan with an accumulated an interest of ₦142,287:25 since he is unable to pay.
Recall that Adeyinka had attempted to jump into the Lagoon from Third Mainland Bridge on Friday, 31st July but was rescued by policemen from Bariga Division that were deployed to the bridge.
He had allegedly collected the loan in March to support his wine business, but unfortunately, the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19 affected his business hence his inability to pay back the loan.
After being briefed on the incident, and moved by compassion, the Lagos State Governor after confirming the loan from the micro finance bank paid it off.
A statement by the Lagos Police Command reported that Lagosians are advised to sort other means of dealing with life challenges rather than opt for suicide.
The statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Elkana Bala, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said:
“Abiodun lives at Abaranje road, Ikotun. He attempted to jump into the lagoon. He was rescued and taken to Bariga Police Station for questioning and debriefing.
“He stated that, in March 2020, he procured a loan of ₦390,000 with monthly repayment plan for six months and accrued interest of ₦142,287:25 from a micro finance bank in Lagos Island.
“He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He is married with two children. He is currently attending medical and counselling sessions.
“The micro finance bank was contacted and they confirmed the loan. The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, moved with compassion, came to the rescue by repaying the loan.
“Worried at the rate people are killing themselves, the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, enjoins Lagosians to always explore other means of addressing life challenges than resorting to taking their own life, as suicide is never an option.”
The command said that Abiodun’s case bring the number of suicide attempts in the state in the last two months to eight.
The command further enjoined well meaning individuals to always reach out to the needy and less privileged persons around them, “ together we can stop suicide,” it said.
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