Man Drowns in Lagos After Alleged Drug Use

A 45-year-old man identified as Kazeem has tragically drowned after reportedly taking a hard drug, believed to be Colorado, in the Odo Tente community, which borders Lagos and Ogun states.

The incident occurred on Friday around 11 a.m., when Kazeem, under the influence of the suspected drug, began acting erratically. According to eyewitness accounts, he suddenly ran uncontrollably and jumped into a nearby river, where he drowned.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday. “On 11/10/2024, at about 11 a.m., a report was filed at the Alagbado Division that Kazeem, 45, under the influence of a hard drug suspected to be Colorado, ran uncontrollably and jumped into the river at Odo Tente. He drowned in the process,” Hundeyin stated.

Police officers from the Alagbado Division visited the scene and documented the incident with photographs. Kazeem’s father, upon being notified, requested that his son’s body be buried immediately by the riverside, in line with their traditional customs.

While the case is being investigated, the tragic event underscores the growing concerns over substance abuse in Nigeria. Earlier this year, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development pledged to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat the rising issue of drug addiction among Nigerian youth. The ministry aims to raise awareness, provide rehabilitation, and offer skills acquisition programs to those affected by substance abuse.