The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Suicide

  • Police confirm killing of 3 suicide bombers in Maiduguri

    Police confirm killing of 3 suicide bombers in Maiduguri

    The Borno Police Command on Saturday said three suicide bombers were killed on Friday at Simari area of Maiduguri.

    Mr Victor Isuzu, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the killing in a statement in Maiduguri on Saturday.

    Isuzu said that the incident occurred at about 21.49 p.m., when three suicide bombers, a male and two females attempted to penetrate Usmanti Community in Mafa LGA.

    “The suicide bombers were chased by security personnel in the ensuing stampede and in an attempt to escape arrest, the suicide bombers hurriedly detonated the IEDs strapped on their bodies killing themselves.

    “However, two members of the security personnel sustained injuries and were rushed to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

    “Police and EOD personnel visited the scene to secure and render the area safe,” he said.

    A witness, Amin Audu, said the insurgents took advantage of the night to gain access into Maiduguri.

    “The powerful blast also made the explosives strapped to the other ladies to detonate and blew them into pieces,” he said.

    Maiduguri and other liberated areas have witnessed upsurge of suicide bomb attacks in which many lives and property were lost in the past two months.

    The insurgents had recently attacked a team of prospecting oil workers on exploration at Lake Chad Basin.

    The insurgents also attacked Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri and Dikwa Local Government Area of the state.

    Also, 14 women including police personnel were abducted by the insurgents.

  • Suicide: You have no right to self-terminate

    There had been events that made headlines in Lagos State of late in respect of individuals killing themselves.  The first story is that a medical doctor was being driven on Third Mainland Bridge, the story went, and he asked his chauffeur to stop. In the middle of the said bridge, he apparently had spoken to someone on the phone earlier, got out of the car and launched a dive into the deep ocean. His body was recovered later, apparently died due to suicide. Few weeks after the first event recording the demise of the doctor, a businesswoman attempted to repeat what the doctor had done but she was saved by the vigilance and quick reaction of the people around. As it turned out, the woman had lost a substantial amount of her business funds by whatever means. The poor woman was charged to court on account of attempted suicide. Ultimately, the court freed her and she vowed not to attempt to take life ever again.

    These events represents as I have illustrated above, the tip of the iceberg of suicide rates in Nigeria. Contrary to popular belief, that is to say, suicide is not uncommon in the jurisdiction of Nigeria. Suicide is the act of taking one’s life or termination of one’s life. Suicide may be accidental or intentional. In contract, murder or homicide is the intentional killing of an individual by another person. Secondary murder (USA definition) or manslaughter (UK and other common law jurisdiction definition) is the unintentional killing of another person.

    Globally, about a million people commit suicide every year. Put more specifically, an estimated 12 individuals for every 100,000 people take their own lives every year. In Nigeria, this figure is that approximately seven persons will commit suicide for every 100,000 of the population. Sadly, suicide affects the dynamic and most energetic group of a country’s population. That is to say, the very young and productive people seem to succumb to suicide. Thus, suicide is one of the three leading causes of death among those in the most economically productive age group (15–44 years).

    Whilst individuals are often the victims of suicide, there is also a trend of joint suicidal enterprise (otherwise called suicide pact): persons who come together to take their own lives. This is yet uncommon in Nigeria but a feature of Asian communities.

    Thou shall not kill thyself: religion and the law:  There is no doubt that Nigeria is heavily a religious nation featuring different religious beliefs though about 10-13 per cent per cent having been the happiest nation on earth in recent memory, murder and suicide rates in Nigeria are not falling.

    While there is no reservation that our various religions may be stemming the inclination to commit suicide, the law, as the experience of the woman in the first paragraph shows, takes a frown and dim view of suicide or attempted suicide.

    Back in England (UK). Before the Suicide Act 1961, it was a crime to commit suicide, and anyone who attempted and failed could be prosecuted and imprisoned, while the families of those who succeeded could also potentially be prosecuted. In part, that criminalization reflected religious and moral objections to suicide as self-murder as we still have in Nigeria; in part our laws having derived from colonial legacy. The Suicide Act 1961 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that decriminalised the act of suicide in England and Wales so that those who failed in the attempt to kill themselves would no longer be prosecuted.

    Return to Nigeria: In spite of the monumental change to the law that had taken effect in the UK in respect of suicide, the law in Nigeria remain stern in respect of attempted suicide.

    Section 327 of Criminal Code Act, Chapter 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 states: “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is liable to imprisonment for one year.” Also, if you assist in anyway, a person to commit suicide, you may be sent to prison for life. Of course, no charge can be brought against a person who is already dead, suffice to say.

    Causes of suicide, suicidal ideation and attempted suicide: Suicide or attempted suicide is in general a clinical indication that something is wrong with the person. Very often, the person is suffering from depression (20% of Nigerians and indeed world population suffers from depression) which may be caused by financial loses, bereavement, relationship breakdown, poor career prospects or failure, unemployment, social ridicule in whatever age group, academic failure, existing mental illness such as schizophrenia with hearing of voices, religious misdirection, existing of chronic physical illness such as HIV and cancers and chronic pain amongst others. While women tends to attempt suicide unsuccessfully, men seems to actually kill themselves.  Being unmarried also tend to push individuals toward suicide.

    Preventions: In the eyes healthcare practitioners and as it is in England of 1961 Suicide Act, suicide should not be a criminal offence any longer in Nigeria. Suicide should be seen as a cry for help which went unheard. Attempted suicide is a clear cry for help and support. Suicidal persons need credible social, healthcare and family support rather than being blamed and imprisoned. If you are feeling low in your spirit, seek urgent medical intervention. Help is available.

    The role of coroner in suicide:  If however, a person is found to have committed suicide, under the current law, an inquest, at the behest of the coroner, should be held to determine cause of death. But, the coroner or the police will first of all need to be informed of the death. What appears to be suicide, may actually in the end, be a homicide. In all, personal injuries, attempted suicide and unlawful deaths, can be remedied. Depression can be treated and social issues can be resolved. All you need to do is to ask for help. You will find it.

  • Suicide: You have no right to self-terminate

    There had been events that made headlines in Lagos State of late in respect of individuals killing themselves.  The first story is that a medical doctor was being driven on Third Mainland Bridge, the story went, and he asked his chauffeur to stop. In the middle of the said bridge, he apparently had spoken to someone on the phone earlier, got out of the car and launched a dive into the deep ocean. His body was recovered later, apparently died due to suicide. Few weeks after the first event recording the demise of the doctor, a businesswoman attempted to repeat what the doctor had done but she was saved by the vigilance and quick reaction of the people around. As it turned out, the woman had lost a substantial amount of her business funds by whatever means. The poor woman was charged to court on account of attempted suicide. Ultimately, the court freed her and she vowed not to attempt to take life ever again.

    These events represents as I have illustrated above, the tip of the iceberg of suicide rates in Nigeria. Contrary to popular belief, that is to say, suicide is not uncommon in the jurisdiction of Nigeria. Suicide is the act of taking one’s life or termination of one’s life. Suicide may be accidental or intentional. In contract, murder or homicide is the intentional killing of an individual by another person. Secondary murder (USA definition) or manslaughter (UK and other common law jurisdiction definition) is the unintentional killing of another person.

    Globally, about a million people commit suicide every year. Put more specifically, an estimated 12 individuals for every 100,000 people take their own lives every year. In Nigeria, this figure is that approximately seven persons will commit suicide for every 100,000 of the population. Sadly, suicide affects the dynamic and most energetic group of a country’s population. That is to say, the very young and productive people seem to succumb to suicide. Thus, suicide is one of the three leading causes of death among those in the most economically productive age group (15–44 years).

    Whilst individuals are often the victims of suicide, there is also a trend of joint suicidal enterprise (otherwise called suicide pact): persons who come together to take their own lives. This is yet uncommon in Nigeria but a feature of Asian communities.

    Thou shall not kill thyself: religion and the law:  There is no doubt that Nigeria is heavily a religious nation featuring different religious beliefs though about 10-13 per cent per cent having been the happiest nation on earth in recent memory, murder and suicide rates in Nigeria are not falling.

    While there is no reservation that our various religions may be stemming the inclination to commit suicide, the law, as the experience of the woman in the first paragraph shows, takes a frown and dim view of suicide or attempted suicide.

    Back in England (UK). Before the Suicide Act 1961, it was a crime to commit suicide, and anyone who attempted and failed could be prosecuted and imprisoned, while the families of those who succeeded could also potentially be prosecuted. In part, that criminalization reflected religious and moral objections to suicide as self-murder as we still have in Nigeria; in part our laws having derived from colonial legacy. The Suicide Act 1961 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that decriminalised the act of suicide in England and Wales so that those who failed in the attempt to kill themselves would no longer be prosecuted.

    Return to Nigeria: In spite of the monumental change to the law that had taken effect in the UK in respect of suicide, the law in Nigeria remain stern in respect of attempted suicide.

    Section 327 of Criminal Code Act, Chapter 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 states: “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is liable to imprisonment for one year.” Also, if you assist in anyway, a person to commit suicide, you may be sent to prison for life. Of course, no charge can be brought against a person who is already dead, suffice to say.

    Causes of suicide, suicidal ideation and attempted suicide: Suicide or attempted suicide is in general a clinical indication that something is wrong with the person. Very often, the person is suffering from depression (20% of Nigerians and indeed world population suffers from depression) which may be caused by financial loses, bereavement, relationship breakdown, poor career prospects or failure, unemployment, social ridicule in whatever age group, academic failure, existing mental illness such as schizophrenia with hearing of voices, religious misdirection, existing of chronic physical illness such as HIV and cancers and chronic pain amongst others. While women tends to attempt suicide unsuccessfully, men seems to actually kill themselves.  Being unmarried also tend to push individuals toward suicide.

    Preventions: In the eyes healthcare practitioners and as it is in England of 1961 Suicide Act, suicide should not be a criminal offence any longer in Nigeria. Suicide should be seen as a cry for help which went unheard. Attempted suicide is a clear cry for help and support. Suicidal persons need credible social, healthcare and family support rather than being blamed and imprisoned. If you are feeling low in your spirit, seek urgent medical intervention. Help is available.

    The role of coroner in suicide:  If however, a person is found to have committed suicide, under the current law, an inquest, at the behest of the coroner, should be held to determine cause of death. But, the coroner or the police will first of all need to be informed of the death. What appears to be suicide, may actually in the end, be a homicide. In all, personal injuries, attempted suicide and unlawful deaths, can be remedied. Depression can be treated and social issues can be resolved. All you need to do is to ask for help. You will find it.

  • Man commits suicide after killing mother in Ebonyi

    Man commits suicide after killing mother in Ebonyi

    A 28-year-old man, Ekene Ezeogo, has committed suicide in Ebonyi, after he allegedly beat his mother, Mary, to death.

    Eye witnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Ekene killed his mother in cold blood at the family house at No. 24, Agbaja Road, Abakaliki.

    Ekene’s elder brother, Chidi, who confirmed the incident, told NAN that Ekene killed their mother when she was trying to settle a fight between Ekene and his younger sister.

    “Ekene drank three bottles of rat poison in an uncompleted building at Onuebo area of Abakaliki after the dastardly act.

    “After killing our mother, he drove his motorcycle to the central police station, Abakaliki and reported the matter.

    “He, however, fled the station when the police wanted to arrest him and ran to the uncompleted building where he drank the poison,” he said.

    Chidi said that Ekene was rushed to the emergency unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, where he eventually died.

    Mr Sunday Chinedu, a tenant in the Ezeogo’s family house, collaborated the story, saying that occupants in the house helped rush Ekene to the hospital.

    Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, DSP Jude Madu,said:“I have not been in the state for some time and I did not receive such report before I traveled.”

    But Chief Silas Aliede, a community leader in the area, said, “the whole community is still in shock over the incident.

    “I will not say much for now except that the elders and community leaders would meet to review the situation and know the next step to take.”

     

     

  • 8 killed, 14 others wounded in suicide bomb attack in Borno

    8 killed, 14 others wounded in suicide bomb attack in Borno

    No fewer than eight persons were killed  and 14 others sustained in Friday night suicide bomb attack in Dikwa Local Government Area  of Borno.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred on Friday when two female suicide bombers hit an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in the area.

    The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Rawa Modu, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Maiduguri on Saturday.

    Modu, who visited some of the victims, said that the suicide bombers infiltrated into the camp and detonated explosives.

    “Two female suicide bombers attacked the 24 Housing estate at about 9: 30 p.m on Friday.

    “Seven persons died on the spot and one other died in the hospital, while 14 other persons were receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.

    Modu said that the council had distributed metal detectors to members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to enhance security at the camp.

    The Police and military authorities were yet to comment on the incident.

  • Reflections on suicide

    I did not steal, I did not kill anybody. I only wanted to take my life. This policeman (pointing at the Commissioner of Police) said I have committed a crime. Which crime? How is my attempt to kill myself anybody’s business? Is it not my life? Let me end it all.”

    In apt language that easily passes for first-grade movie scripting, Citizen Titilayo Taiwo Momoh, 58, whom the police in Lagos State charged before a magistrate court with attempted suicide, pursuant to Section 235 C.17, Vol. 3 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015, challenged the authority of the police to intervene in her private decision to end her life.

    The mammoth monetary misfortune that befell Citizen Momoh, leading right up to her final decision to take her own life, are quite unfortunate and complex, never once wished for, and certainly cannot be dismissed recklessly as light misfortune.

    The singular peculiarity of Miss Momoh’s matter is that it has become a national cause celebre, overnight, engendering and sustaining debate as the centerpiece of discourse in both orthodox and new media, on the propriety of legislating against self-annihilation.

    Well, the answer to that question, in my candid view, is philosophical in its very essence, but I am at once minded to begin this intervention from a legal point of view. First, I believe that life is God’s basic expression of love to man; a portion of His divine nature bestowed on man. Hence, a Giver and keeper relationship is to be expected between God and His creation. It should follow, therefore, that to deliberately destroy God’s life-gift is to desecrate the very essence of godhood that distinguishes man from baser nature.

    Then, moving on from that, follows the appropriation of this divine gift of God into a right for all men as auspiciously stipulates Article Three of the U.N.’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights effective December the 10, 1948, whereupon the philosophy of righthood will suggest that responsibility to protect that right, in the event of a breach, has been conceded to the state, within a social contract, so that not even an abuse by its primary custodian will recuse state oversight from redressing what is only logically a misdemeanour. Every society must have set principles for protecting rights from abuse. So, if the right to life is a justiceable right, then whoever attempts to take it away is guilty of wrongdoing including the owner of that life.

    By way of a quick analogy, the certified owner of a house who seeks to renew its architecture and painting cannot, by wilful action, set about the destruction of the existing structure by incendiary means, without drawing remonstration from his neighbours and -where applicable- necessary protestations by state authorities.

    With that in mind, it bears adding that any society that acquiesces in the liberty of any or all of its citizens to self-annihilate only so far as admits its deficit in what should naturally be its primary responsibility: the corporate survival and well-being of everyone. For, interestingly, felon de sa, the one who self-annihilates, often does so on the claim that there was no possibility of seeking a future within his surroundings. The family or immediate circle of such a person is then inescapably sentenced to perpetual self-recrimination/self- defence because the misdoing of one of its own has done something distasteful to the moral footing upon which the family once owned its voice in the world.

    Not even the fallacy of permanent rest associated with suicide’s aftermath can be justifiably advanced as good reason for this misjudgement. Not in African Traditional Religion where so-called spirits of the dead are frequently summoned for active involvement in the affairs of the mundane. Not in Christianity and Islam where the sacrilege guarantees a sure spot in hellfire’s lake of torment. Not in the faithless who have yet to advance completionist positions about what becomes of being in the cessation of present existence.

    We must realise, without exception, that, deep down within, something doesn’t quite celebrate suicide. We must give that a voice, the same way we give a voice to our dislike for murder, rape, burglary, armed robbery etc. since society can only speak through its laws as its best and easiest mechanism for eschewing anarchy.

    The purpose of such a law, as mentioned earlier, has essentially to be one that preserves the propriety of the state to prevent, by legitimate intervention, the misaction of one of its own. Upon apprehension, therefore, should such a citizen be due, immediately, for return to his/her immediate surroundings? Should not that citizen be brought back to his/her right mind that such action was more than a mere private issue because it had the capacity to do irreparable damage to the spirit of social fellowship and brotherhood? While it takes an entire village to raise a child, we may now add, it takes no less a village to make an adult. So, death of one is death to all. These are the values that our laws against suicide must target for deliberate protection.

    Assuming that one who so decided to take the person’s life and failed in the attempt is held to be in contempt of the customs of his locale, by what standard should he/she be treated? Mob intervention? Or what? I would recommend a law which, while prohibiting suicide also protects, automatically, such persons from non-state action with clearly spelt out, case-based, rehabilitation strategies.

    An inexhaustible range of well-known factors can give rise to the extremes of contemplations and I do not intend here to list them, but in no wise or guise can suicide be justified. It attempts to deprive us of the exemplary diligence that could be required in the exploration of ALL possible avenues for resolving distress, devoid of selfishness, ego and conceit. What I mean by that? I hope this suffices: U.S. soldier, Augustine “Og” Mandino, suffered so severe depression that, even after he had purchased a gun to take his life, he could not pull the trigger because all will for action had deserted him! He managed to pick up the remaining pieces of his life and went on to become one of the greatest self-help authors in history.

    I dare say that whoever brings himself to the point of taking his own life does retain sufficient courage, creativity and energy to not only carry on with life but to also succeed. Planning suicide must be a very complex adventure, I would imagine. I assume that after flirting with the thought for a while, the mind then goes on to decide on the best means possible (inhalation, pills, poison, injection, drowning, hanging, shooting in the head or heart, self-immolation, etc.) and then the best place possible and then the best time possible, and so on. Not to mention that the sighting of any unwelcome beast (in a bush, for instance) may well lead to an immediate escape from death!

    Everything happening in Nigeria today simply points to the fact that the nation is long overdue for a fresh, broad-based national mobilization policy. The national conscience, is distressed, desperately crying for bearing; in which case a thoroughgoing moral reawakening must come to the rescue.

    That an evil as ignominious as suicide is catching on even on our campuses cannot be waved off as mere casualism. The testimonies of fellow citizens who have been to the cliff of distress but shunned the dive into the waters of self-destruction, and are now home and dry, must today, more than ever before, adorn our headlines and social media. That may just signal our arrival at the threshold of a spirited campaign for a sweeping moral reawakening. The journey is more than a thousand miles.

     

    • Cyril is Senior Researcher, TVCNEWS, Lagos.

     

  • UNILAG students walk against suicide

    Worried by the rate of suicide and attempted suicide in the country,  University of Lagos (UNILAG) students, last week, held a rally to sensitise the public on why suicide should not be an option. The rally, which was organised by students resident in Fagunwa Hall, also  a seminar facilitated by a psychologist.

    The student moved from one hostel to the other, speaking to their peers on why they should not think about suicide when faced with challenges. Faculty associations’ presidents, Halls of Residence leaders and representatives of the school’s Counselling Unit participated in the rally.

    During the seminar, an Associate Professor of Psychology, Dr Foluke Akinsola, advised students to always seek for counsellor’s guidance whenever they are faced with depression and personal problems. She said people’s inability to share their challenges led to the increasing rate of suicide.

    Aminat Yusuf, chairperson of Fagunwa Hall, said the reason  for the event was to fight depression among students. She said: “We realised that the suicide rate on campus and in Lagos State is on the increase; so we are creating awareness on depression and suicide through this campaign.”

    She urged students to regularly see counsellors and speak up when they suffer depression. She described the campaign as a “landmark project” in curbing suicide in the university.

    Zainab Nasiru, a resident of Fagunwa Hall, hailed the hall executives for the “excellent initiative”, saying: “There are a lot going on and people find it difficult to cope. The economic situation of the country has contributed to suicide rate and what people are just looking for is a way to escape hardship. So, coming out to tell them that suicide should not be an option is one of the best thing to do at this time.”

  • Owoseni to Nigerians: Speak out to prevent suicide

    Owoseni to Nigerians: Speak out to prevent suicide

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Fatai Owoseni has said suicide can be prevented if victims’ families speak out on what pushed them to the action.

    Owoseni spoke at the Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference 2017 of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba (FNPHY).

    The theme was: “No health without mental health: break the silence” and the sub theme, “Role of psychopharmacology in suicide prevention”.

    Owoseni urged people to break the silence on why people commit suicide. This, he said, would help identify the causes of suicide and mental disorders which could lead to suicide.

    He said: “The more we talk about people committing suicide, the more we would be able to get the solution. Mental disorder is a challenge that could lead to suicide but, we need to come out of our shell, be realistic and families must put stigmatisation aside when it comes to suicide.

    “Whoever commits suicide has done it and nothing can be done about it. It is the victim’s family members that can know the major causes of the suicide. If people like these would be realistic and say the cause of the suicide, or if those that have attempted to commit suicide would come out and say the reality of the cause, we would be able to break the silence, stop the challenges and investigation can come up.

    “Let suicide survivors come and talk about their experiences. Many of us think that suicide is only linked to spiritual or traditional issues, but, it could be depression, mental illness or some other things which are not known. Victims’ family must come out of the stigmatisation and say the cause of the death of their family member, because they are the only ones that can have the facts about the matter.”

    Owoseni cited examples of people he interacted with after they attempted suicide, saying several reasons were responsible for the action.

  • Senate raises alarm over rising spate of suicides

    Senate raises alarm over rising spate of suicides

    …Tinubu seeks urgent remedy

     

    The Senate Tuesday raised the alarm over the rising spate of suicides and suicide attempts in parts of the country.

    The upper chamber asked the ministries of health at federal and state levels to immediately embark on mental health sensitization and awareness campaign to tackle the problem.

    It also asked the health ministries at federal and state levels to set up free and accessible mental health stations in all government owned hospitals and clinics across the country.

    It urged Nigerians to look out for possible symptoms of unhappiness, depression and to seek professional help where necessary.

    The resolutions which were unanimously adopted followed a motion by Senator Oluremi Tinubu on the “Need to ensure affordable and accessible mental health care for Nigerians.”

    Senator Shehu Sani who seconded the motion said lamented that it is obvious that many Nigerian families can no longer cater for themselves.

    Senator Tinubu in her lead debate noted that the country was ranked 78th happiest nation in the world and 4th in Africa in the 2015 world happiness report.

    The Lagos Central lawmaker further said that the report published in March 2017 rated Nigeria as 95th happiest nation out of 155 countries.

    She expressed concern that suicide and its attendant causes namely-depression, social and economic problems, low self-esteem, traumatic experiences, physical and emotional abuse, substance abuse, bullying are not alien to Nigerians.

    She noted that societal ills, economic difficulty, crime rate which are prevalent in Nigeria are sufficient to send anyone over the edge.

    Senator Tinubu expressed sadness that in spite of the dominant presence of suicide catalysts, Nigerian’s mental health support system is barely existent.

    She said that access to mental health specialists is expensive and almost nearly out of reach of the poor and middle class.

    The effect, she said, is that ‘where pressure becomes overbearing for these persons, they attack people around them or attempt to take their own lives.”

    She said that Senate should be concerned that “the incidences of these suicides are made worse by lack of attention, and the belief that depression and other personality and mental disorders are the white man’s sickness and thus does not affect Nigerians.”

    Senator Tinubu said that it is sad to remember the case of Ariyo Taiwo who posted on Facebook, indicating that he had a few hours left to live.

    “Instead of his post being seen as a plea for help, comments in response mocked and encouraged him. He was said to have taken his life a few hour later,” she said.

    The lawmaker reminded his colleagues that the wellbeing of citizens is the primary duty of government.

    She reiterated the fact that accessibility of mental health care will also ensure that the teeming number of psychological and psychiatry graduates across the country can put their knowledge to use and be gainfully employed.

    Senator Sani (Kaduna Central” said that there is connection between the turbulent polity and the mental state of Nigerians and connection between economic inequality and health of Nigerians.

    Sani said that the thinking of the people is that if their situation cannot be addressed that alternative will be to take the law into their hands.

    Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North) said that the economic hardship the country found itself is biting harder.

    Barau said that government must perform its functions of providing the welfare of the people.

    Senator Emmanuel Paulker on his part said that the bitterness in the country is very high.

    Paulker said that government at all levels, private sector and individuals should address the problems of the people.

    Attempt for the issue to be addressed at a public hearing was defeated.

     

  • Body emerges to curb depression, suicide

    A regulatory body for consellors and psychotherapists has been inaugurated. Its members hope to help curb depression, reduce suicide and help with mental health issues.

    Known as the Association for Counseling, Matchmaking & Psychotherapy, it has been accredited by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    The group, at a news conference, said: “The Association for Counsellors, Matchmaking & Psychotherapy of Nigeria (ACMPN) is established to identify, develop and maintain professional standards of excellence in counselling, matchmaking and psychotherapy.

    “Our work promotes best practice and the development of the profession as well as safeguard the public. We are the link between those who are looking for services in the areas of counselling, matchmaking & psychotherapy, and those who provide such professional services. In addition, we set and maintain practice and training standards, and provide a forum where members may exchange ideas, information, techniques and methodologies.

    “Establishing itself apart from the rest as a multi-disciplined association, which specialises in holistic techniques, ACMPN’s membership also includes medical practitioners, psychologists, clinical social workers, coaches, stress consultants, NLP practitioners, clergy, educators, mental health therapists, students of counseling & psychotherapy, and others in the helping, healing sector, as well as those providing matchmaking services, which is crucial for relationship health and wellbeing.”

    Officials of the association are  Dr. Laila St. Matthew-Daniel (President),

    Dr. Joy Ogbonna  (Vice President), Pastor Egrah Akpofure  (Treasurer) and Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire (Secretary).