Men of Kwara State Police Command, yesterday, foiled a suicide attempt by a middle-aged man, Olayinka Segun Owolabi, at Budo Nuhu, Ilorin.

According to the spokesman of the command, Ajayi Okasanmi CSP, passersby who noticed the scene of the attempted suicide raised the alarm and followed up with a report to the police.

The police had to race to the scene and rescued the man who by now had knotted the rope in an attempt to hang himself.

Owolabi cited the economic recession and being an orphan as major reasons for him wanting to take his life.

The state Police Commissioner, Tuesday Assayomo, while reacting to the incident, urged the parents and guidance to discharge their responsibilities as when due to their children and wards.

Assayomo said, "This advice is coming on the heels of a failed suicide attempt by officers of the command attached to Budo Nuhu Police Station.

"A passerby sighted what looked like a man hanging on a tree very close to the main road at NAFSAT area along checkpoint bus-stop, Ilorin.

"His report at the Police Station elicited a quick response by policemen that rushed to the scene. The rope around the neck of the victim was loosened. He was rescued and rushed to Tobi Hospital, Taiwo, Ilorin, where he is responding to treatment."

"On interrogation after regaining consciousness, the man who was later identified as Olayinka Segun Owolabi of No 54, Ile Alagbede Abutu Oyan, Odo -Otin L.G.A Osun State, said he was tired of life, having lost his job, lost both parents and no help was forthcoming from anywhere without any assurance of the next meal prompted him to decide to end his life.

"The Commissioner of Police, CP Tuesday Assayomo PSC (+) advises citizens against taking one's life. The CP reiterated that any attempt to take one's life, apart from being against God's injunction, is also a crime punishable by law if the offender survives the attempt.

"While promising to always ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens, the CP warns criminal elements to steer clear of Kwara State, except the would-be criminals want an accommodation in the Correctional Centres."