…police yet to give official statement on the incident
Residents of Kagini, a community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were thrown into confusion on Friday after a young man, identified simply as IK, was alleged to have taken his own life inside his home.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of the day, gained public attention after a video surfaced on the verified Facebook page of Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In the video, friends and neighbours of the deceased expressed shock over the tragedy, questioning what might have driven IK to such an action.
While some mourners attributed it to personal struggles, others suspected foul play and demanded to see the stool allegedly used in the act.
As of press time, the FCT Police Command had yet to issue an official statement.
Efforts to reach the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful. However, a police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding IK’s death.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Suicide Prevention Bill currently before the Senate, stressing the urgent need for action to address Nigeria’s alarming suicide rate.
The bill, which passed its first reading in February, seeks to decriminalize attempted suicide and establish a comprehensive framework for suicide prevention and mental health support nationwide.
If passed, the Suicide Prevention Bill would represent a historic shift in Nigeria’s approach to mental health and public health, ensuring that those at risk receive care, dignity, and support rather than stigma and punishment.
Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South Senatorial District, made this known when he received members of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group over the weekend in Abuja.
The coalition, comprising psychiatrists, mental health practitioners, legal experts, civil society organizations, and advocates, visited him to commend his sponsorship of the bill and brief him on their upcoming activities ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
“Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affect millions of Nigerians, yet they are poorly understood and rarely prioritized. Suicide prevention is an issue that requires government attention, sustained education, and sensitization,” the lawmaker said.
He assured the group that he would champion the bill during its second reading and pledged to work with his colleagues to ensure a robust debate supported by strong data and evidence.
Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, convener of the coalition, Continental Representative for LifeLine International, and former President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, said the existing law criminalizing attempted suicide is a significant barrier to help-seeking.
“When you criminalize attempted suicide, you stigmatize people who are already vulnerable. According to World Health Organisation, Nigeria records about 16,000 suicide deaths annually, and that is a conservative figure because many cases go unreported.
“Most of the victims are young people, between ages 15 and 29. This is a crisis that must be urgently addressed,” Professor Sheikh stated.
He added that the proposed legislation seeks not only to repeal punitive laws but also to provide for service delivery, funding, training, helplines, and data systems to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms across the country.
Other coalition members, including psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, and mental health advocates, echoed the urgency of legislative action.
They stressed that Nigeria’s high youth suicide rate and the growing social and economic costs of untreated mental health conditions demand immediate intervention.
“For every recorded suicide, there are at least 20 more attempts. In Nigeria, every delay in passing this bill means more lives lost,” said Aisha Abdullahi Bubah, Executive Director of The Sunshine Series, who urged decisive action.
The advocacy group also unveiled plans to mark World Suicide Prevention Day with sensitization campaigns, media engagements, and policy dialogues.
Senator Ekpenyong was invited to participate in the Vanguard Mental Health Summit in October, themed ‘Stemming the Rising Tide of Suicide in Nigeria’.
The Police in Gombe have confirmed that a 16-year-old girl, Maryam Samuel, committed suicide at Kaltungo community in Kaltungo Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesman of the command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident on Saturday in Gombe, said the girl killed herself by hanging on a tree.
The incident, Abdullahi disclosed, occurred on March 14, barely 24 hours after the deceased left home to fetch firewood.
He said: “On Friday, at about 9:00 a.m., a case of suicide was reported at Kaltungo Divisional Headquarters by the village head of Kalarin. The deceased, later identified as 16-year-old Maryam Samuel, from Kalarin ward, was seen hanged with a rope on a tree at Kalarin mountain without any marks of violence found on her body.”
Abdullahi said the corpse had been deposited at the General Hospital Kaltungo, adding that further investigation would unravel the root cause of the incident.
SIR: Suicide is a highly complex phenomenon with dire consequences for families, communities, and countries. Every year, approximately 726,000 people take their own lives globally, making it one of the leading causes of death, particularly among young people. It is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15–29. Disturbingly, around 73% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. The reasons for suicide are multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present throughout life.
Nigeria with a population of over 200 million is one of the epicentres of suicide in the world with a suicide estimate of 17.3 per 100 000, which is higher than the global (10.5 per 100 000) and Africa (12.0 per 100 000) estimates. According to global statistics, since 2012 there has been an increase in suicide in the country. Moreover, Nigeria, currently, has been reporting the highest number of depression cases in Africa, according to WHO.
The alarming rise in suicide rates in Nigeria has drawn attention to a troubling factor: the easy access to lethal pesticides. As these chemicals are readily available in local markets, their misuse as a means of self-harm has become a public health crisis that demands urgent regulatory intervention. Pesticides are designed to kill pests but pose significant risks to human health. Acute exposure leads to immediate symptoms such as nausea and dizziness and can even result in death. Chronic exposure has been linked to severe health issues, including cancers, reproductive challenges, endocrine disruptions and neurological disorders. Many Nigerians are unwittingly exposing themselves and their families to these dangers through improper use and storage of pesticides.
The misuse of pesticides has become increasingly common; many individuals facing mental health crises turn to these chemicals as a means of escape, unaware of the irreversible consequences they entail. Moreover, recovery from pesticide poisoning is notoriously difficult. Studies show that individuals who attempt suicide-using pesticides often have lower survival rates compared to those who use less toxic means.
To effectively tackle the issue of pesticide-related suicides in Nigeria, a multifaceted approach is essential. First, there should be stricter regulation on pesticide sales – as at today, anyone – adult or child, sane or insane, trained or unskilled, as well as friends or foes have access to pesticides. This includes implementing licensing requirements for harmful industrial and farm chemicals and enhancing monitoring and regulation of pesticide sales to prevent misuse.
The strict enforcement of NAFDAC’s pesticide regulations is essential. Authorities in governments must ensure that agrochemical dealers and markets comply with listing and permit requirements, and the open sale of dangerous chemicals in markets and communities must be stopped. Promoting safer pest control alternatives such as use of neem leaves, neem oil, diatomaceous earth, chili-pepper barriers and airtight containers, drying of grains and seeds, using hermetic storage can help reduce reliance on toxic pesticides, offering both farmers and households safer ways to manage pests, and storing seeds/grains should be encouraged. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial in educating the population about the risks of pesticide misuse and providing information on available mental health resources.
Public awareness campaigns are also crucial. These campaigns should aim to educate communities about mental health issues and provide information on where to seek help. Additionally, raising awareness about the dangers of pesticide misuse and promoting safer alternatives can significantly contribute to prevention efforts.
Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare systems is another key recommendation. This integration will ensure easier access to mental health care for those in need. Furthermore, training healthcare workers to recognize warning signs and provide appropriate support is essential for effective intervention.
Community support programs should be established to foster open discussions about mental health. Creating support networks for individuals facing economic hardships or mental health challenges can provide much-needed assistance and reduce feelings of isolation.
Improving research and data collection on suicide rates and methods used in Nigeria is critical for developing effective intervention strategies. Conducting studies on the effectiveness of various prevention strategies will help inform future actions and policies.
Finally, while pesticides may have been considered to play a role in modern large-scale industrial agriculture, a country like Nigeria where over 60% of food produced are done by a large number of small-scale farmers, their reliance on toxic chemicals should be discouraged (as more safer organic preservatives exist. The open sale of these toxic pesticides must be stopped as they poses significant dangers. By prioritizing regulation and promoting safer alternatives alongside robust mental health strategies, we can protect vulnerable populations from unnecessary harm and address the rising tide of suicide in our communities.
Suddenly, suicide has become a critical issue in Nigeria, driven by economic hardships, societal expectations, and insufficient mental health services. The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks Nigeria among the African countries with the highest suicide rates. Experts emphasise the need for a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to tackle this growing crisis. UDEH ONYEBUCHI reports.
In recent years, suicide seems to have become a recurrent decimal in our dear country, Nigeria, with offenders cutting across all walks of life. Yeah, you read right. Suicide is an offence and those who commit it, whether successfully or unsuccessfully are offenders. From the bustling urban centers of Lagos to the rural communities of Oyo, and other states as far as Zamfara, the epidemic of suicide is quietly but swiftly sweeping across the social fabric of a nation once known for its resilience and community spirit.
The causes of this tragic trend are varied, with economic challenges, mental health struggles, societal pressures, and the lack of proper support systems playing significant roles.
This tragic rise has shocked many, leaving families, communities, and the nation at large in a state of grief and confusion. Behind each statistic is a person whose pain and despair were left unnoticed or ignored until it was too late.
A growing crisis
One of the most recent casualties of this epidemic occurred in Agege, Lagos, where Olatunji, a 54-year-old man, took his own life. His body was discovered in a small store attached to his home, leaving his family shattered and searching for answers.
While the police arrived promptly and initiated an investigation, the damage had already been done. Olatunji’s untimely death added to the ever-growing list of suicides sweeping through Nigeria, and like many others, the reasons behind his decision remain a painful mystery for those he left behind.
Just weeks before, a tricycle operator in Ikorodu, Lagos, similarly took his life. After his tricycle was confiscated by government officials, and his repeated efforts to retrieve it failed, he chose to hang himself in front of the very building where his tricycle was held.
This incident, while it is shocking, highlights the intense financial pressure that many Nigerians are experiencing, which often leads to a sense of hopelessness that pushes them to the edge.
A troubling pattern
These incidents are not isolated. Earlier in the year, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Gbolahan Oyedemi, tragically took his own life in his hometown of Ogbomoso.
Oyedemi had an illustrious career and seemed to be in control of his life. However, beneath the surface of professional success and public accolades, he likely faced personal battles that no one else saw or knew about.
His death sent shockwaves across the country, leaving many wondering how someone so successful could succumb to such despair.
Across Nigeria, the stories are strikingly similar yet deeply personal. A student overwhelmed by academic pressures, a young woman bullied by her peers, a father buckling under the weight of financial burdens; these are the faces behind the grim statistics.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa, with young people making up a significant portion.
In Lagos alone, the police have thwarted multiple suicide attempts in recent months. In one particularly memorable case, a visually impaired man named Ewenla Adetomiwa, attempted to jump into the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.
Fortunately, a passerby intervened and alerted the authorities just in time. In a heartbreaking confession, Adetomiwa revealed that he had planned his death because he believed that the government would take care of his children afterward.
Days later, an 18-year-old boy was also saved from jumping off the same bridge, further underscoring the increasing desperation felt by many Nigerians.
Financial desperation and societal pressure
For many, financial hardship plays a central role in the decision to end their lives. A popular Nigerian comedienne, Anita Asuoha, better known as Real Warri Pikin, opened up about her own near-suicide experience in 2018 after amassing a N22 million debt.In a candid Instagram post, she shared how the overwhelming pressure of debt and societal expectations nearly drove her to take her own life.
“Life was just hitting me from all sides. I felt like the only way out was to end the pain. Luckily, a family member intervened just in time to save me.” she explained
Another heartbreaking case occurred in Ikorodu, Lagos, where a 32-year-old banker, Amarachi Ugochukwu, ended her life by ingesting insecticide in her workplace restroom.
In her suicide note, she expressed her struggles with the increasing economic hardship and her perceived failure in life.
“Nothing is working in my life. My figures are low. My brain is clogged up. The economy is getting harder,” she wrote.
Amarachi’s death reflects the immense pressure faced by many professionals, particularly in target-driven industries such as banking, where failure to meet quotas can lead to devastating mental health consequences.
The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
The stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria further exacerbates the problem. Many Nigerians still view mental health issues as a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of, preventing those in need from seeking help. This societal perception is dangerous, as it leaves many struggling in silence until their despair becomes unbearable.
One such case was that of Nick Imudia, former CEO of Konga, a leading Nigerian e-commerce platform. Imudia, who was seen as a successful business leader, ended his life after facing a series of personal challenges.
His mental health struggles went unnoticed by those around him until he tragically ended his life by jumping from his apartment in Lekki, Lagos. Before taking the fatal leap, he made several phone calls; one to his brother, instructing him on how to distribute his wealth, and another to his young daughter, assuring her that he would always be there for her.
Imudia’s death is a painful reminder that wealth and success do not shield individuals from mental health issues.
Desperation among the elderly
The elderly, too, are not spared from this crisis. In one tragic case, 80-year-old Isiyaka Ayinde was found hanging in his kitchen in Araromi, Imota, Lagos.
While the reasons behind his decision are unclear, his death underscores the desperation felt by many elderly Nigerians, who often find themselves without the necessary social or financial support as they age.
Solutions for a growing crisis
Nigeria must have an open national conversation about mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness prevents many individuals from seeking help, and addressing this requires collaboration between government bodies, healthcare professionals, and mental health experts.
Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, a foremost Nigerian consultant neuropsychiatrist, stated that, “The stigma around mental health is one of the most significant barriers to getting help. Education is critical to breaking down the misconceptions surrounding mental illness.”
Public awareness campaigns led by mental health professionals and advocacy groups could play a vital role in educating the populace about mental health issues and debunking myths surrounding them.
Additionally, the mental health infrastructure in Nigeria is inadequate, particularly in rural areas, where access to healthcare is already limited. Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, a prominent Nigerian psychiatrist and pioneer in child and adolescent mental health, stresses that “Mental health services must be accessible to everyone, regardless of location. Integrating mental health into primary healthcare can help close this gap.”
She also highlights the need for capacity building, saying, “Nigeria requires more trained mental health professionals to meet the growing demand.”
Dr. Raphael Ogbolu, a consultant psychiatrist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and mental health advocate, also notes that “Addressing Nigeria’s mental health crisis must include creating policies that strengthen community-based mental health care, reducing the pressure on limited tertiary facilities.”
By leveraging the expertise of mental health professionals and integrating services into the primary healthcare system, Nigeria can create sustainable solutions to this pressing issue.
Importance of support systems in Nigeria
Support systems are crucial in addressing the suicide epidemic. A consultant psychiatrist and former president of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Dr. Taiwo Sheikh said: “The lack of strong mental health support networks often contributes to the rise in suicide cases.”
Dr. Sheikh explained that in Nigeria, where mental health awareness is still developing, families, friends, and communities must be educated to recognise the warning signs of depression and suicidal ideation.
He points out that early detection and intervention are critical. For instance, asking someone how they are feeling and being open to difficult conversations can prevent feelings of isolation that often lead to suicidal thoughts.
A consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Grace Ijarogbe emphasises the need for more mental health resources in everyday settings. Schools, workplaces, and religious organisations are central to Nigerian society, and they have the potential to offer much-needed support.
She further advocates for placing trained counselors in these institutions and establishing helplines for those in distress.
“Many Nigerians are hesitant to seek formal mental health care due to stigma. However, if we integrate mental health support into places where people already feel comfortable, like schools or churches, we can reduce barriers to accessing help,” she says.
Addressing the root causes of economic despair is equally important. An economist and former chairman of Nigeria’s Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Dr. Doyin Salami, highlights how economic hardship such as unemployment and financial instability can exacerbate mental health issues.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), unemployment rates in Nigeria have reached record highs, which intensify feelings of hopelessness among many young people.
The path forward
As the suicide epidemic continues to rise, it is essential for Nigeria to recognise that mental health struggles are real, and solutions are within reach. By fostering a culture of open dialogue, expanding access to mental health services, and addressing the economic challenges many Nigerians face, the country can begin to turn the tide on this silent but deadly epidemic.
Real Warri Pikin, who survived her own brush with death, reminds us that life is a series of seasons, and no matter how difficult things may seem, the storm will eventually pass. “Suicide is a permanent decision to a temporary problem,” she says.
A 27-year-old man identified as Alozie John has allegedly attempted to take his life over a debt of N1,200,000 to his supplier of livestock products in Umunnachi, Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement, said the victim, a native of Ebonyi State who deals in live chicken, reportedly drank poisonous substance hoping to breathe his last.
He, however, said the man was rescued, rendered medical assistance and kept in safe custody for monitoring.
He said: “On 23/8/2024, Anambra Police rescued a young man who attempted to take his own life. He was debriefed, rendered medical assistance and kept in safe custody for monitoring.
“The young man, who was later identified as Alozie John ‘m’ aged 27 years from Isielu LGA Ebonyi State but lives in Umunnachi, Dunukofia LGA, had his WhatsApp message intercepted when he engaged the command in a chat that he drank a poisonous substance hoping for death because of indebtedness of one million, two hundred thousand naira to his supplier of livestock products.
“He further confessed that he deals in sales of live chicken and after he took the harmful chemical did not feel otherwise.
“Meanwhile, his mother was contacted and she is currently assisting the police with evaluation, references and transfer to a better facility for proper and other necessary care of the boy.”
Shaibu Yusuf, a man arrested by the FCT Police Command for threatening to commit suicide from the height of Aso Radio and TV mast in Abuja on July 8, over insecurity and prevailing economic hardship in the country, has been released from detention.
Abuja-based lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed his release.
Yusuf had climbed a broadcast mast owned by Aso Television and Radio in the Katampe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in protest against insecurity and economic hardship.
It had taken the intervention of the acting Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Mrs Florence Dawon Wenegieme, to convince him to come down from the mast.
Confirming his release, Adeyanju said he alongside the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Igwe, will support Yusuf to start a Point of Sale (PoS) business in order to cater for himself.
“We have secured the release of Shaibu Yusuf who protested climbing a mast in Abuja after a week of back & forth. Let me appreciate the collaborative effort of FCT CP, Bennett Igwe and FCT PRO @Jossy_Dannyking in this regard.
“CP Igwe & I are supporting Shaibu to start a POS biz. I must also thank the Welfare Department of FCT Social Development Unit,” Adeyanju stated.
In December 2023, the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, launched the National suicide prevention strategic framework (NSPSF). This policy document is aimed at reducing suicide risk, promoting resilience, and coordinating multistakeholder action plans to prevent suicide at all levels. This 7-year framework is expected to reduce deaths by suicide by 15% in 2030.
However, if we do not decriminalize suicide, we won’t be making much progress in seven years. In June 2023, Ghana made history by decriminalizing attempted suicide, to promote mental wellbeing. Many other countries around the world have done the same, as the criminalization of suicide takes its roots from colonial times.
Suicides are preventable, but not when you criminalize it and shame people into silence, instead of seeking help. We need a collective approach to reducing the rates of suicide in our society. An approach that takes a look at the social issues that trigger a decline in people’s mental health.
Currently, the economic hardship and the rising insecurity in some parts of the country are huge causes for concern, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness among the people. This can lead to a rise in suicides, with some going unreported due to fear of stigma and persecution by law enforcement.
Recently in Abuja, a young man was reported to have attempted to take his life but got rescued by well-meaning passers. However, once handed over to the police, he was reportedly referred to another government agency for mental health evaluation, afterwards he will be charged to court for “attempted suicide, disturbance of public peace and incitement”.
In as much as this can be legally justified by the law enforcement agency involved, it defeats the entire effort that has been committed by various stakeholders over a period of decades, to improve access to mental healthcare in Nigeria and reduce stigmas and all other barriers that make it difficult to receive mental healthcare.
An ideal society that prioritizes growth and development needs to invest in de-stigmatizing mental health and promoting laws that ensure every individual has access to all the healthcare support they need to thrive. Decriminalizing suicide is one such law that needs to be abolished. Its existence will not reduce suicide rates, if we are going to be faced with the social issues that lead to a breakdown in mental health and the zeal to live. However, abolishing such obsolete laws that have existed since colonial times will promote help-seeking behaviour without any fear. It will ensure that when people are struggling with suicidal thoughts, they will speak up and likely seek help.
People attempt suicide because they do not see a way out of their difficult situation. However, there is often always a light at the end of the tunnel, and early intervention can support the person to get to such a point where they begin to see the light.
As individual members of society, we have a responsibility to ensure that we do not perpetuate stigma towards mental health through our words and actions. We need to learn how to identify signs of struggles that people within our inner circles may show.
Early identification of signs of mental distress helps to save lives. I also call on the government and other relevant stakeholders to move towards ensuring suicide is decriminalized in Nigeria, increase investment in the mental healthcare sector, and ensure that by 2030, we are decreasing our suicide rates by a minimum of 15%.
It is all achievable if we put in the work needed. After all, a country can only thrive when its people thrive. And mental wellbeing is a key ingredient in ensuring that all humans thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
A former Chief Executive Officer of Konga, Nick Imudia, has reportedly taken his life.
Imudia was said to have died on Tuesday evening, after jumping from the balcony of his apartment in the Lekki area of Lagos State.
Imudia, an indigene of the Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State before his death, reportedly made a call to his United States-based brother to give him instructions on how to distribute his wealth and also called his young daughter to inform her that he would always be there for her.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the tragic incident.
He said: “The scene has been visited by the DCB personnel of the division, and photographs were taken.
“The family of the deceased is not interested in depositing the body at the mortuary but rather prefer burying the corpse immediately as a result of the age and religious inclination of the deceased.”
