Photograph — Felicia Ochelle

On January 1 2013, a family in Ogun state returned from New Year church service to find their son, Damilola dead after allegedly committing suicide the night before. He was a student of the University of Lagos where he was studying Computer Science and doing very well in school. Damilola’s case, and the growing number of such incidents, show that the suicide trend in Nigeria is fast approaching a worrisome frequency.

Suicide is perceived differently among cultures, religions, legal and social systems of the world. While it is considered as a sin in many religions or a criminal offence in certain countries, others consider it a mark of honour–the Yoruba community in Nigeria may be one of them. According to Aborisade Olasunkanmi in his research about suicide in Yoruba Ontology, taking your own life is reflected in Yoruba thought as iku ya j’esin (death is preferable to shame, dishonour and indignity). It was seen as a better option than facing a life of pain, suffering or humiliation.

However suicide in present day Nigeria has moved from this line of thought to a rather disturbing trend.

While many have varied explanations for the rising number of suicide cases in Nigeria, the present socio-economic challenges facing the country may be the most accurate. Many Nigerians are under a lot of stress, with a large portion of the population still living in poverty.

About two months ago, a senior civil servant identified as Ojo Owolabi attempted suicide by drinking a large amount of insecticide. Mr Owolabi who is one out of numerous workers being owed about six months’ salary tried to kill himself because he could no longer cater for his family. Similarly, Andrew Uba, 26, reportedly committed suicide in Okigwe, Imo State, after he lost a N100, 000 bet on Manchester United during the Champion’s league final in 2013.

Also, centres that carter for issues such as depression are still evidently scarce, a vital reason that could explain the escalation of psychologically-driven suicides.

According to Aisha Yesufu who shared a suicide story via twitter on Monday, an unidentified 18 year old has been hospitalised after consuming half-a-bottle of sniper (a recognised insecticide in Nigeria) following news that her boyfriend had jilted her. Even though she may have survived, this is hardly the same for others who have attempted suicide. A 36- year-old man Sabo Lawal, reportedly took his own life in Katsina state. He was found hanging from an electric cable in his home on July 1 2013. Lawal was an alleged drug addict who had been living alone after his wife divorced him months earlier.

In this part of the world suicide has not only moved from an occasional happening to a major source of concern, but it also reflects the socio-economic state of Nigeria.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that over 800,000 people die due to suicide every year and there are many more who attempt suicide. It is therefore of utmost importance that the government investigates some of these catalysts with a view to finding possible solutions.

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