The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Suicide

  • How to stop brain drain, suicide, others, by psychiatrists

    The Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN) has held its 49th Annual and Scientific meeting in Lagos, where its members proffered solutions to crises in the sector. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA reports.

    The mental health sector is in dire straits. With a ratio of one psychiatrist to 3.3 million persons, Nigerians hardly have access to mental health.

    At its 49th Annual  and Scientific Meeting held in Lagos, the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) members brainstormed on how to get solutions to the problem and more.

    With fewer than 200 psychiatrists across the country, and the profession facing a brain drain, the experts agreed the problem was bigger than they thought.

    According to APN President, Dr Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, despite the shortage of psychiatrists, fresh graduates remain unemployed, while others, including psychiatrists in training, leave the country.

    Sheikh said the problems called for concern. “This raises the questions: how will the millions of Nigerians requiring mental receive optimum care? So the theme, ‘Brain drain in mental health’, will help us in examining policies and strategies. And to scale up access to mental health services in Nigeria, including shedding light on various mental health transformations taking place in the country.”

    On why the choice of Lagos for the conference, Sheikh said the state is the best place to discuss germane issues, for it is the first state to work on mental health bill.

    “Lagos has the highest urban population in the country with a population of 25 million, according to  the UN-habitat and International Development Agencies’ estimates. It is also not surprising that it, arguably, has the highest concentration of private and public employed psychiatrists in Nigeria. Many people have achieved their  exit from the country via Lagos.   Sadly, among these are mental health practitioners – specialists and trainees – for greener pastures. This certainly depletes our already inadequate number of psychiatrists,” explained Sheikh.

    “For the same reason,”Sheikh said, “Lagos attracts various kinds of businesses that have produced many success stories. Unfortunately, sometimes such success also creates competition – imagined or real – in the midst of scarce resources and vulnerability to unhealthy lifestyles such as psychoactive substance abuse, highlighted by the menace of prescription drugs abuse.”

    He added that these further increase the risks of emotional problems, leading to manifestation of various mental disorders, especially depression and suicide.

    “We are all witnesses to the rising tide of suicide in the country, and especially in Lagos. I congratulate the state for leading the way to seek protection of the mentally ill and the mental health practitioners through the passage of the Lagos State Mental Health Law.  APN is asking the Federal Government to halt the brain drain in pyschiatry.

    “What is the essence of investing in the training of a person using tax payers money, only for same to be snatched away by another country. All that is required is to give incentives to these experts and they will stay back. No country has enough Psychiatrists, so it does not speak well for us as a country to train, only for them to exit the system or country,” Sheikh added.

    Local Organising Chairman (LOC) and the Coordinator of SURPIN, Lagos University teaching Hospital (LUTH, Dr Raphael E. Ogbolu said the abysmal low ratio of psychiatrists to patients must be addressed.

    Ogbolu said one psychiatrist to about 200million Nigerians was not good. “If we do nothing now, the situation quackery will thrive. If you don’t have qualified personnel to cater for the mental health of a people, a vacuum will be created, and those that do not have business with the subject matter will be parading themselves as psychiatrists. Complications of mental health cases not well handled will lead to increase in suicide rate.

    “Nigeria is the main supplier of mental health practitioners not only in Africa, but other continents. Brain drain cannot be totally stopped, but the government can do something through policies, to retain trained personnel. We are exploring how to retain a bigger chunk of what are trained, to what we are losing.

    “Burn out is equally affecting the practice because the psychiatrists are doing their best within the system, but it is tedious for them to practise with obsolete equipment, and inclement practicing conditions, patients paying out of pockets, and treatment being impeded. For instance, if a person is mentally sick, will output drop, leading to low income. Yet, we expect the same person to deep his hand into his pocket to pay for his mental health treatment. Where is this done?” Ogbolu added.

    Ogbolu said part of the way out is for mental health treatment to be included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) via a bill.

    “Mental Health Bill should be passed into law, as it protects the psychiatrists. The person being treated and the costs of treatment taken care of. Look at the criminalisation of attempted suicide.

    “Somebody, who is mentally sick, wants to die, but did not suceed, and the next thing is to take the person in, for 12 months’ imprisonment. That must change. That person needs treatment. SURPIN, for instance, has reached out to many people in 20 locations in Nigeria, despite it’s being situated in Lagos.”

    The guest lecturer, Prof Akin Osibogun, said Nigerians should build recreation centres to curtail the rising rate of suicide.

    “Gone are the days when people find other people to talk with. People talk to gadgets like T.V, handsets and browse endlessly these days. They bottle up so much emotion, and explode. Unfortunately, some comit suicide.

    “Africans have a socio-networking system where one can sit with people over drinks,  or sit on pavements in the evening and watch the world unfolds, and get inspired, or get somebody show interest in him, but that is giving way to the cosmopolitan way now. So, there is a need for socio- re-engineering to ensure the needed support system is there for each and everybody,” Osigogun said.

    Dr Tolu Ajomale of Lagos State Ministry of Health’Mental Health Desk, said Lagos would continue to ensure the mental well-being of Lagosians.

    “We have a desk in the ministry headed by Dr Dolapo Fasawe and we are open to all and sundry 24/7. The state also passed the Mental Health Bill, which will provide leadership, guidance and treatment for the people in the state,” Ajomale added.

     

  • Guard allegedly commits suicide

    A guard at the Ekiti State Scholarship Board, Abolarinwa Olaoye, yesterday allegedly hanged himself in suspicious circumstances.

    The incident occurred at the state secretariat.

    The body of the 49-year-old man was found hanging at the staircase behind the office.

    He was said to have reported for duty on Tuesday evening for an overnight duty, but it remained unclear when the act was allegedly committed.

    Olaoye’s body was suspended with a clothing material tied to the railing of the staircase.

    The Boxer MB 100 brand motorcycle with registration number ADK 210 WS, brought by the deceased to the office, was parked near the place the suicide was allegedly committed.

    The Executive Secretary of the Scholarship Board, Mr. Ayo Ajimati, confirmed that the deceased was a staff.

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and policemen from the nearby Iyin Road Police Station came to the scene.

    But they could not remove the body, as they said they were waiting for the family from Igogo Ekiti to arrive before taking any action.

  • Man, 25, commits suicide in Anambra

    A 25-year old man, Shola Abisola, at the weekend, committed suicide in his room in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    The deceased, a native of Ikogbo in Ododo Ota local government area of Ogun State, was reportedly found laying unconscious in his room after taking a poisonous substance.

    A resident of the area said the deceased was rushed to Amaku Teaching Hospital where he was certified dead while receiving treatment.

    Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Haruna Mohammed, said the corpse was deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

    “One Sunday Ozoemene ‘m’ of NO 33. Chime Street Awka, reported at the Central Police Station Awka, at about 4:30pm, one Shola Abisola male aged 25 years of Ikogbo in Ododo Ota LGA of Ogun State allegedly drank a chemical substance labeled “SNIPER” and was found laying unconscious in his room,” he said.

    He said exhibit were recovered and photograph obtained at the scene during a visit by Police detectives attached to Central Police Station Awka.

    Mohammed added that the case was being investigated to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.

  • Man commits suicide in Anambra

    …as woman pours hot water on 11-year old son

     

    A 19-year old man has committed suicide in his room in Mmakwum village, Obosi in Idemili local council area of Anambra State.

    The deceased, identified as Prince Chigozie, was said to have been found hung dead in his room by his father.

    Read Also:Ekiti: Council chief’s suicide note devoid of politics says family

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Haruna, who confirmed the report in a statement, said the case was being investigated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    “One Uche Gbughemobi of Mmakwum village Obosi, on the 30/8/2018, at about 1300hrs, reported at Obosi Division, how he found his son hanged dead in his room.

    “Scene was visited, photograph obtained and victim was taken to Crown hospital Obosi where he was confirmed dead by the medical doctor,” he said.

    In a related case, a woman allegedly poured hot water on her 11-year old biological son, Chiemerie Anyalebechi, in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo local council area of the state.

    The suspect, identified as Ifeoma, was said to have carried out the dastardly act around 9.30am while the victim was fast asleep.

    The Police spokesperson, Mohammed Haruna, who also confirmed the incident, said the victim is presently recuperating at the Ezehinne Health centre, Ozubulu where he was immediately rushed to for medical attention.

    He said Police Patrol team attached to Ozubulu division had since visited the scene of the incident.

    Mohammed said the suspect has been arrested, adding that the case was under investigation.

     

  • Ekiti council chief’s family speaks on suicide

    ….Says his suicide note devoid of politics

    The family of a senior local government official who killed himself on Monday in Ekiti State has officially reacted to the suicide.

    The Director of Finance, Ise/Orun Local Government Council, Mr. Michael Kayode Bamisaye, jumped into a well in his residence behind Tinuola Maximum Schools, off Afao Road, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Read Also:Ekiti council chief commits suicide

    His body was removed from the well by the men of the State Fire Service and has been deposited at the mortuary.

    But the state has been awash with rumour on while Bamisaye took his life in such bizarre circumstances.

    It was alleged in some quarters that Bamisaye might have taken his life over the impending change of government in the state for his alleged open support for a political party.

    His family in a statement on Friday signed by one Mr. Cosmas Bamisaye said the suicide note left behind had nothing to do with politics.

    The Bamisaye family members expressed regret that insinuations being peddled around have added to their sorrow.

    The statement said: “The family of Late Sir Michael Kayode Bamisaye, who until his death is the Director of Finance in Ise/Orun Local Government Area, is greatly saddened over his demise on the 30th of July, 2018.

    “We are conscious that the social media and some news outlets have since been awash with lots of insinuations and half-truths that have added to our sorrows as a family.

    “Our father and brother who has always been a role model in his commitment, dedication and discipline in the various aspects of his life has over-time seen himself as one who has failed, even though he has never failed.

    “He left the family a note that is completely devoid of politics. He was not a politician but has always exercised his franchise as a good citizen.

    “We therefore rest our case with his Creator who knows all things and to whom we shall individually return.

    “We are grateful to families, friends, associates and colleagues that are condoling us at this our difficult moment.”

  • Police probing Lagos 3rd Mainland Bridge suicide – Spokesman

    The Lagos State Police Command on Monday said it had commenced investigation into the report that an unidentified lady allegedly packed her car on the third mainland bridge and jumped into the Lagoon.

    SP Chike Oti, the Command’s Spokesman, told the our reporter that though the police had not received any official report, they were already making efforts to find out the true story.

    He said that the report of their investigation would be made public as soon as the police finds anything.

    “There is no official report yet. It is the news making the rounds. However, our rescue team is searching, divers and Marine policemen are working.

    “Investigation is ongoing, findings will be made public please,” the police spokesman said.

    NAN learnt that the purported incident was said to have happened at about 8.45 p.m. on Sunday.

  • Lawyer attempts suicide after ‘killing’ husband

    A lawyer, Mrs Udeme Odibi, has been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly stabbing her 50-year-old husband, Otike Odibi, to death.

    The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at Diamond Estate, Ogombo in Sangotedo, Ajah.

    The 47-year-old Mrs Odibi also allegedly ‘severed’ her husband’s genitals, which she placed in his right hand

    It was gathered that the woman allegedly ripped open her husband’s stomach. She thereafter stabbed herself.

    But she was rescued by neighbours, who rushed her to a nearby hospital.

    A police source said the woman was stabilised and arrested at the hospital.

    According to him, a neighbour said the deceased raised the alarm that his wife was threatening to stab him.

    It was gathered that the couple, both lawyers, had been quarrelling over property.

    Sources claimed their quarrels started after the suspect discovered her husband had a daughter, who schools  in the United Kingdom (UK), from his first marriage.

    Some claim too the husband had other children from his same marriage.

    The discovery was said to have angered the suspect, who they said, was childless.

    Other sources, however, alleged that the couple had distrust issues, which bordered on infidelity.

    Wednesday’s fight ‘started’ after the husband refused his wife’s request to bequeath his property to her, and instead willed them to his children.

    The development ‘infuriated’ the woman, who stabbed her husband to death.

    She also stabbed herself in a failed suicide bid.

    Command spokesman Chike Oti said the command received a distress call about 7:30 am.

    Oti said: “Based on the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised a team of detectives to the scene where they found the man lying on the bed in the pool of his own blood.

    “Sequel to the above, the Commissioner of Police Edgal Imohimi, directed Crime Scene Detectives from the homicide section of State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCID) Panti, Yaba and forensic experts  to the scene to aid in the investigation.

    “Further information from a neighbour, revealed that the deceased called him on phone in the night before he was murdered, complaining that the wife was threatening to kill him with a knife. The said neighbour however warned him to be careful. The deceased also called his mother and his younger sister complaining of threat to his life that fateful night.

    “The commissioner of Police noted that not too long ago, a husband allegedly killed his wife and baby in Banana Island Lagos. He therefore advised couples to learn to resolve their matrimonial disputes without resorting to violence.”

  • Man commits suicide at UCH

    •Jumps from 5th floor

    A man, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, yesterday committed suicide at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

    He reportedly jumped from the fifth floor.

    Sources said the victim, aged between 50 and 60, removed his pair of leather slippers before jumping to the ground floor.

    Unconfirmed reports said the deceased, who wore ankara, had a suicide note in his pocket.

    He was alleged to have written that he committed suicide because he was duped of N30 million.

    Sources said the note was with the men of Oyo State Police Command, who were invited to the scene by the hospital management.

    Eyewitnesses said the man landed with his head and died immediately.

    He was said to have been certified dead by doctors, who attempted to rescue him.

    When The Nation visited the scene, blood stains were on the floor opposite the mortuary.

    His remains were said to have been taken to the mortuary.

    Spokesman Ayodeji Bobade confirmed the incident.

    He said the deceased was not an employee, adding that his identity was unknown.

    Bobade said the police had been invited to unravel the deceased’s identity.

    Efforts to reach police spokesman did not yield result last night.

  • Court remands man over attempted suicide

    An Osogbo Magistrates Court in Osun on Friday remanded a 23-year-old man, Andrew Peter, in Ilesa Prison over alleged attempted suicide while in police custody.

    The Magistrate, Mr Olusegun Ayilara, ordered the defendant to be kept in prison due to the magnitude of the offence involved.

    The Prosecutor, Insp Lamidi Rasaki, had told the court that the defendant, who was arrested and detained for alleged theft of a cell phone, committed the offence in April at Okefia area of Osogbo.

    He said the defendant was taken to the hospital for treatment but later escaped before he was apprehended and brought to the court.

    The defendant, who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty to a three-count charge which contravened sections 327, 192, and 135(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11 Laws of Osun, 2003.

    The magistrate, however, adjourned the case to April 27 for the presentation of facts before sentencing.

    NAN

  • DELSU final year student commits suicide

    A final year student of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, identified as Orumah Efemena, has reportedly committed suicide. The deceased, who was said to have suffered bouts of depression in recent times, reportedly took his own life on Wednesday, after drinking poisonous liquid substance suspected to be an insecticide, after learning that he would be staying another academic session in the institution.

    The Nation gathered that Orumah did poorly in his final examinations and would have to stay an extra year for the second time, having suffered a similar fate in the previous academic year. Although no authority was able to officially confirm the incident, some students from his department; Pharmacy Department, who spoke under anonymous conditions, confirmed the development, saying the deceased became depressed after realising his imminent fate. According to some of the sources, the deceased was found dead in his hostel room.

    They said two cans of a dangerous insecticide, which had been linked to a couple of suicide cases recently were found in his room. He was said to have been rushed to the university health centre where he was pronounced dead. A lecturer of the institution who also confirmed the incident said medical report indicates that the student took substances believed to be an insecticide. Another student who simply identified herself as Amaka, said: “He was in class the day he died and looked very happy and exchanged jokes with his course mates. Some of his friends were even with him at home but after they left, he drank sniper and died.

    ” When contacted, DELSU’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Freeborn Aganbi, confirmed the incident, adding that security report indicated that the deceased had, had to repeat the same year twice, a situation that could have inflicted frustration on him. “This is why staying off campus isn’t advisable. If he had been staying on campus, there’s the possibility that one or two friends could be around him to talk him away from his frustration and eventually from taking his own life,” Aganbi said.