Lagoon Suicide Update: Dr Alwell Orji attempted suicide four years ago – Family

It has emerged that Dr. Alwell Orji, the medical doctor who took his life last Sunday by jumping into the Lagos lagoon, had attempted suicide a number of times.

His family was visited at their home on Odunukan Street, Ebute-Ejigbo, off Morroco Road,
near University of Lagos, and they revealed that the young man had four years ago attempted jumping down from the family’s two-storey house but for the the intervention of neighbours who saved him.

“Four years ago he attempted to kill himself and, thereafter, had tried doing so on a number of times,” a man who pleaded anonymity said, adding, “since then, his family had been monitoring him. We don’t know the kind of sickness he was suffering from, but we knew he was being monitored. That was why he was assigned a driver to take him around.’’

Reports about him from neighbours reveals that he was such a gentle man with no record of trouble making.

His place of work, Mount Sinai Hospital on Plot 32, Olanibe Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos, was also visited by newsmen to get basic information about him. The staff were in pensive mood and some started wailing when asked questions about Orji.

He was described by colleagues as a very dedicated man and loved by his patients.

‘‘He was such a quiet person and at the same time very active. He was most preferred by our patients. In fact, when some patients came here and he had not arrived, they would wait for him. He was sure to get to the root of things by asking penetrating questions. That was his trademark and why he was so much loved.’’ One of the female staff said.

However, his mother has refused to believe that her son is dead as she has expressed optimism that her son will be rescued alive.

It is more than 48 hours now and Orji’s body is yet to be found. The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management (LASEMA), Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu, who was at the scene of the suicide incident, said that intense search is still ongoing for Orji’s body.