- Adewumi Ademiju*
A 46-year-old male banker in one of the branches of an old generation bank in Lagos state recently reportedly committed suicide for unknown reason.
Mr. Ibeakanma, a father of one, was reportedly found lying lifeless in his room in Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The deceased ,identified as Onyechere Ibeakanma from Umuakam Afugiri in Umuahia north LGA, Abia state according to report died after drinking a substance believed to be sniper.
Until his death on Friday 9th of August 2019, Mr. Ibeakanma was a Human relationship Manager at the bank.
Ibeakanma left a suicide note for his wife who went shopping when he came back from work, intimating her of his intentions to end his life.
The suicide reads: “The best, that’s what I used to call you. Finally this is the end of my journey here on earth. The evil I have been battling with has succeeded in quenching the flame.
You married a wrong man. You’re a good woman and you deserve the best. You need to be happy. You need to soar. Please take care of our princess Chinenyenwa.
Tell her that I love her so much. Be peaceable with everyone though not gonna be easy. Tell my family not to harbour any resentment against you. You’re a blessing to us.
That’s the wish of a dying man. Don’t cry for me but pray for me. I love you and chinenye so much. Good Bye My beloved”
The source who spoke with newsmen on anonymity revealed he was shocked as to why the deceased who was discovered to have left as much 16 million naira in one of his accounts took his own life.
Mr. Ibeakanma was said to have been displayed some strange behaviours that no member of the family has taken serious notice of except until his death.
“In one of his Facebook post on July 24 at 4:48 PM: Ibeakanma wrote; THE LIGHT IS GRADUALLY DIMMING OUT………… but we never read any meaning to it,” the source said.
“But today, Onyechere is no more what more can we say than to ask God to forgive his sins and grant his soul eternal passage into his bosom,” the source added.
Also an undergraduate reportedly killed himself by hanging, leaving behind note on academic challenges.
Another admission seeker also killed himself with poison (Sniper), for inability to succeed in jamb cut off. Reports had it that the boy was scolded by the parents, who severally rained abusive words on him for failure to meet up with the cut off marks.
An undergraduate pregnant lady reportedly killed herself….
So many reports of suicide spread torrential, victims mostly youths,many reported cases of undergraduates in tertiary institutions.
Some people have attributed off campus accommodation as one of the factors aiding incessant suicide on campuses saying,authority would not be abreast of some social issues related information about the students.
Depression is a disorder characterized by low mood, a feeling of sadness, and a general loss of interest in things
Whenever there is depression or when depression increases ,the likely result is suicide or mental breakdown.
Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in the teens or early 20s or 30s.
It is a state of despondency, helplessness and hopelessness. The aftermath effect of depression at extreme case is suicide.
It is a danger in the society. A nation that witnesses incessant suicidal Cases is already in chaos .
Depression /Suicide is a negative development that stigmatizes society, it generates fear and even encourages superstition .when it’s alarming, it affects the image of society, economic activities would be affected, there would be fear and unrest.
Although many factors may play a role in depression including genetics, brain biology /chemistry, and life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, an early childhood experience, or any stressful situation.
The malaise could be the outcome of different challenges, economic, health, family issues,poverty,loneliness,family problems and different inexplicable circumstances
When depression leads to frustration, a lot of negative things come to mind and this might propel the victim to commit suicide, all hopes lost.
Society must look deep into the causes of Depression .
Government and stakeholders need to be proactive by providing medical /psychological aids for people, for early discovery of sign of depression and immediate attention to the victim.
This is a collective responsibility of society,since causes differ. For instance it could be family problems eg abusive marriage, victims might be going through some mysteries.
Security /psychological experts, family,NGOs ,religious bodies,Youth Organization and government in most cases must live up to their responsibilities.
Government as a major stakeholder must create enabling environment for businesses to thrive and for people to live well, poverty must be checked in the land.
When there is employment ,wealth creation people wailing in abject poverty would be able to meet up.
Recreational facilities /centres should be provided, amusement parks for people to catch fun. Substance used for suicide should be banished, improvement in psychological therapy of people is germaned, when people are allowed to speak their minds.
Religious leaders in their place of worship should constantly let their members know that suicide is a sin to God.
When the system is no longer meeting up people’s demands, the depression /suicide could be propelled.
Community leaders, youth leaders traditional rulers must sensitize their people on the need to shun crime manifesting in various forms.
Family members must watch closely the activities of their people,wards/guardian to curtail such especially if any of their member behaves strangely .
Role of media is crucial in public sensitization of people on the alarming rate of depression /suicide.
To curtail the menace, there should also be changes in people’s attitudes and dispositions. People should be close to God, Associate with family ,good friends , socialise, keep good companies, open up whatever challenges to reliable people around you.