Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Police officers from the Lagos State Police Command have rescued a man who attempted to take his own life near a lagoon at night after being overcome with emotional distress upon discovering his wife’s alleged infidelity during a live video call. The dramatic incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, was captured in widely shared video footage that has sparked intense discussion across social media platforms, particularly X (social media platform).
The man was reportedly in a highly distraught state when he was spotted standing at the edge of a lagoon in Lagos, prepared to jump into the water. According to eyewitnesses and the video, patrol officers and bystanders intervened just in time, restraining him and pulling him to safety before he could jump. The footage shows the distressed individual being physically restrained and aided by a uniformed police officer alongside civilians at the scene.
Local news reports indicate that the crisis began after the man learned of his wife’s alleged unfaithfulness while on a live video call. He became visibly overwhelmed by the revelation and left his location intending to end his life. His emotional state during the rescue was described by onlookers as “shaken” and “overwhelmed,” and he appeared to remain on the call throughout part of the intervention.
After being pulled back from the water’s edge, the man was briefly questioned by some of those present, and segments of the video show civilians scolding him for what they viewed as an impulsive and irrational response to personal betrayal. Some commenters at the scene appeared critical of his choice to risk his life over a relationship dispute, while others urged restraint and encouraged dialogue.
Reaction to the footage online has been divided. Many social media users criticised the man’s actions as an extreme response to relationship problems, suggesting that separation or counselling would be healthier alternatives. Others condemned the harsh reaction of some bystanders and emphasised the importance of compassion, highlighting that discovering infidelity — particularly during a live video call — can trigger a powerful psychological shock that may contribute to acute emotional breakdowns.
Mental health advocates have used the incident to call for broader awareness and support structures for people facing intense emotional distress. Professionals and commentators on X have pointed to the need for accessible mental health services and crisis-intervention training for first responders, noting that emotional trauma and suicidal ideation require supportive and empathetic care rather than judgment.
The incident also reignited discussion about the role of social media and digital communication in amplifying personal crises. Observers noted that the very medium through which the man discovered the alleged infidelity — a live video call — then became a documented part of his public distress, raising questions about privacy, digital boundaries and responsible sharing of sensitive moments on public platforms.
Police spokespersons from the Lagos State Command have emphasised that suicide prevention is a public safety priority, and officers are trained to respond to calls involving self-harm attempts. While no official statement has been released regarding any formal investigation or follow-up support offered to the rescued individual, officers at the scene conveyed relief at averting a potentially fatal outcome and urged those dealing with emotional crises to seek help from professionals.
Experts in psychology say that sudden emotional shocks — particularly involving trust, betrayal, and public exposure — can overwhelm coping mechanisms, potentially triggering impulsive self-harm attempts. They stress the importance of community education on recognising signs of acute distress and connecting vulnerable individuals with mental health resources promptly.
Following the rescue, the man was taken by officers to a safer location where he could receive preliminary medical and emotional support. Authorities did not disclose his identity, citing privacy considerations, but emphasised that preserving his dignity and well-being remains central to ongoing response efforts.
The event has also prompted broader calls across Nigerian civil society for structured mechanisms that promote empathetic crisis intervention training for law enforcement and stronger public engagement on mental health issues, particularly as society grapples with rising awareness of emotional well-being and psychological support.
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