A tragic incident has shaken the Djimè neighborhood in Abomey, Benin, after the body of a young man in his twenties was discovered at the bottom of a cistern during the night of Tuesday, October 7 to Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The discovery has caused deep shock and grief within the local community.
According to witnesses interviewed by Bip Radio, the victim was well known in the neighborhood and had been experiencing a prolonged period of emotional distress.
Neighbors reported that he had sought spiritual and traditional remedies in recent months in an effort to cope with his suffering.
The day before the incident, he reportedly visited a traditional healer, hoping to find relief for his pain.
After returning home, the young man is said to have slipped away from the watch of his relatives. Several hours later, he was found lifeless in a water tank. Local sources indicate that this may not have been his first attempt to take his life; he reportedly made a prior suicide attempt last year by swallowing cement.
Emergency services were alerted and arrived early on Wednesday morning to recover the body, while residents watched on in shock. Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and to determine whether it was the result of suicide or an accident.
The incident has raised concerns about mental health support in Abomey and highlighted the challenges faced by young people struggling with emotional and psychological difficulties. Community leaders have called for increased awareness and support mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This heartbreaking event is a reminder of the importance of mental health care and community vigilance in addressing the struggles faced by vulnerable individuals.
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