Rita Odafe
The suicide of a woman in her 30s at the Ekpan flyover has left the residents of Warri and Uvwie local government areas in Delta State in disbelief and grief.
Witnesses were taken aback by why she would choose to jump from the flyover, leading to her tragic death the weekend before last.
Speculations range from depression and frustration to the possibility of spiritual influences as causes for her drastic action.
Eye-witnesses recounted hearing the woman express her despair about being weary of life, initially mistaking it for a skit video until she plunged from the flyover, fatally hitting the busy NPA Road below.
Concerned citizens are now calling on both the state and federal authorities to install higher protective barriers on the sides of the flyover to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
A local resident emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating: “It is not enough to just lament. The government must act by installing protective measures on flyovers and bridges to prevent tragedies like this. We’ve seen a similar pattern at the Lagoon area in Lagos, prompting security patrols after a series of suicide cases there.”
State Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, verified that the incident was not staged, contrary to a circulating video, revealing that by the time authorities arrived at the scene, the woman’s body had been removed.
A concerned resident of Warri urged for the prevention of pedestrian access on flyovers, emphasizing that these structures are intended for vehicles, not pedestrians.
Another resident expressed surprise over this incident occurring shortly after the reported suicide of Nick Imudia in Lagos, raising questions about potential influences on the distressed lady.
A local journalist highlighted the collective responsibility to intervene in such situations, expressing disappointment at onlookers who failed to take action while the woman was in distress.
He remarked: ”It’s disheartening that bystanders below the flyover were more focused on filming and predicting her actions rather than organizing help. Immediate action like arranging transportation could have made a difference.”
