Monthly Media Reports on Suicide Incidents in Nigeria – September 2020

Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s life. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 million people die each year from suicide. It is difficult to anticipate suicide in most instances and this makes it a terribly dangerous menace in any society. What drives so many individuals to take their own lives remains a serious puzzle though depression is at the center of the probable cause, according to scholars and counselors. The fact is that a suicidal person is in so much pain that he or she can see no other option. Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. A suicidal person is often blinded by feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, hopelessness, and isolation. The person hardly sees any way of finding relief except through death.

We continue our documentation of media reports on suicide incidents in Nigeria. The suicide reports considered are credible stories from mainstream media or some highly rated social media platforms and forums. Here is a list of suicide incidents in Nigeria that took place in September, 2020 as reported by the media.

 

CASE ONE

Story Title: 2 Lovers in Anambra Commit Suicide Over ‘Osu’

Victims’ Names: Not given

Marital Status: Single

Date: September 4 (reported)

Gender: Male and Female

Age: Not given

Method: Poisonous substance (sniper)

Reason: Frustration (they were not allowed to marry)

Type: Suicide

Occupation: Not given

State Where incident Happened: Anambra

Victim’s State of Origin: Anambra

Story Summary:

Two young lovers from Okija, Anambra State reportedly took their lives by drinking a poisonous substance (sniper) because their parents refused to give their consents to their getting married to each other.

Source: Nairaland Forum

 

CASE TWO

Story Title: Nigerian soldier fighting Boko Haram commits suicide after ‘false’ theft accusation, punishment

Victims’ Names: Victor Ojeamiran

Marital Status: Married

Date: September 22 (reported)

Gender: Male

Age: Not given

Method: Gun shot

Reason: Frustration

Type: Suicide

Occupation: Soldier

State Where incident Happened: Yobe

Victim’s State of Origin: Not given

Story Summary:

A soldier in Northeast Nigeria committed suicide, on Thursday, after he was publicly punished by his superior for alleged phone theft, his colleagues told PREMIUM TIMES.

The soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Victor Ojeamiran, was attached to the Nigerian Army 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The 27 Task Force is one of those fighting the Boko Haram extremists in Northeast Nigeria.

Mr Ojeamiran shot himself after he personally submitted a note to his platoon sergeant for delivery to his superior officer in the Task Force, our sources said, asking not to named for fear of victimisation by the army.

The note was a protest note where the soldier tried to defend himself and prove his innocence, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

Source: Premium Times