PUNCH reports that suicide are featuring with dreadful frequency across the country adding to the prevailing general misery. Reports had it that many Nigerians were heartbroken when the Edo State Police Command confirmed the death by suicide of Touige Olokoobi who became a social media sensation via a video where her son whom she was reprimanding, asked her repeatedly to ‘Calm Down”.

There are reports of cases of suicide and attempts nationwide. This trend presents another challenge for the government, social organizations and families. Toluige was reportedly to have taken her life in the presence of her one year-old child leaving behind three kids. She was said to be battling depression. A Nigerian Army Captain Alphonsus Bazza also reportedly hanged himself in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State leaving behind a wife and a child.

Terver Orfega, a 29 year-old resident of Abuja committed suicide by swallowing lethal chemical early this month over a business failure and inability to repay a loan. Last month, the Bauchi State Police Command reported that 17 year-old Betwom Bitrus of Bombar of Bogoro Local Government Area committed suicide after telling his family he was heading to the stream for a bath.

In Ede, Osun State 72 year-old Kareem Aderemi shot himself with a twin barrel gun in July, he was said to be struggling with partial blindness and depression. And Pastor Prosper Igboke allegedly jumped to his death from a multi storey building in Nnewi, Anambra State ostensibly after a failed romance.

Freeda Abdulkabir was restrained from jumping off the third Mainland Bridge into the lagoon while she tearfully poured out her emotional marital frustrations.

According to PUNCH in 2022, 79 persons died of suicide with Lagos ranking the highest with 12 cases, followed by Oyo 10, Kano 4, while Anambra, Edo, Delta, Ogun and Rivers recorded 3 each. Experts say that some cases are never reported. Frustrations in the land is reportedly affecting people’s mental health. Joblessness, Hunger, Insecurity and uncaring governance prevalent make many slip easily into depression and some contemplate suicide.

World Health Organization says Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 -29 year-olds globally. Over 703,000 persons commit suicide world wide each year. The most common means of suicide being the ingestion of pesticides, hanging and firearms. Nigerian Government had to briefly curtail the sale of the sniper pesticide brand over the frequency of ingestion of pesticide.

Social workers said that the breakdown of traditional family values, drug abuse, cultism, mental ill-health, and bullying lead to depression and suicide. The Association of Psychiatrist in Nigeria say un-diagnosed mental health is also potent and disclosed that 60million Nigerians live with various degrees of mental ill-health and there are only 200 mental experts available in the country which is lamentable.

Experts say that suicidal feelings can affect anyone of any age,gender or background at any time. Feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, and frustrations can graduate to depression. Families, friends and communities are therefore advised to pay attention to all persons around them.

WHO insists that suicides are preventable, and recommends limiting access to their means, pesticides, firearms, and poisons; identify and monitor persons exhibiting suicidal behaviour, and interact with the media for responsible reporting.

CSOs want the government to decriminalize attempted suicide, suicidal need care, not punishment. Government of all levels, communities, families and faith-based organisations should collaborate to bring down suicide levels.

PUNCH