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POLICE OFFICER COMMITS SUICIDE IN NIGER STATE

Tragedy struck in Rigasa, Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, as Assistant Superintendent of Police, Shafi’u Bawa, reportedly took his own life by hanging. According to eyewitnesses, Bawa’s lifeless body was discovered hanging from the ceiling of his bedroom by his father, Usman Bawa. The distraught father immediately reported the incident to the police command, prompting a swift response from police officers. The officers arrived at the scene and transported Bawa’s body to the general hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His remains were subsequently released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. The circumstances surrounding Bawa’s death are still unclear, and an investigation is likely to be conducted to determine the events leading up to the tragic incident.

NIGERIAN CARDIOLOGIST TAKES OWN LIFE OVER $15,000 MONTHLY CHILD SUPPORT

A 36-year-old Nigerian cardiologist, Ikenna Erinne, based in the United States, has tragically taken his own life after losing a child support case to his ex-wife. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 26. According to reports, Dr. Erinne had been embroiled in a prolonged divorce battle with his estranged wife, including a custody dispute over their children. A US court ultimately ruled in favor of his ex-wife, ordering Dr. Erinne to pay a monthly child support of $15,000. Clayton Udo, a Nigerian-American, confirmed the incident on social media, stating that the court’s verdict had taken a severe financial toll on Dr. Erinne. “The abuse of African men in the USA must come to an end. This tragic incident highlights the systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately affect African men,” Udo wrote. Udo, who claims to be an expert in psychological and mental abuse, revealed that Dr. Erinne had spent thousands of dollars in legal fees before the court’s verdict turned out in favor of his ex-wife. He further explained that the late doctor lost his license as a cardiologist due to the case. “He shot himself to death. He spent thousands of dollars in legal fees – wasted money. I am talking about a process that impoverishes you. You go to court and they take all your money,” Udo said. Dr. Erinne is survived by his children, Ugonna and Munachi, parents Engr. Chris and Mrs. Chinwe Erinne, and siblings Chuks, Onyi, Kenny, and Gechi.

Nigeria ranks 6th in world suicide rates, claims psychiatrist

Nigeria ranks 6th in world suicide rates, claims psychiatrist. Nigeria has been reportedly ranked as sixth globally among countries with the highest suicide rates. A professor and Consultant Psychiatrist at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adesanmi Akinsulore, made the revelation during a lecture at an event organised by The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation, held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Oyo State.The professor asserted that men account for 79 percent of suicides, while women are more prone to suicidal thoughts, emphasising the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the issue, especially among students.The event with the theme: “Navigating the storm: Unraveling the intricacies of suicides amongst students,” focused on understanding and preventing suicide in educational institutions.He described suicide as a major public health concern, noting that it was the third leading cause of death globally among individuals aged 15 to 29 in 2021. The academic stated that while suicide is a personal tragedy, it has devastating social, emotional and economic consequences.The psychiatrist attributed school-related risk factors for suicide to various challenges, including difficulties in accessing psychological care, stigma associated with seeking help, discrimination due to disabilities or physical differences, academic failure and a lack of supportive school environment.He also highlighted broader risk factors such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, self-injury, loneliness, isolation and chronic illnesses, adding that inter-personal difficulties, exposure to stigma and access to lethal means were identified as contributors to suicidal behaviour.Prf. Akinsulore pointed out protective factors that can mitigate suicide risks, including strong parental support, social involvement, mentorship and accessible student support services.“There is one suicide for every 25 attempts. In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds globally,” he said.He called for collective responsibility in tackling suicide, urging schools, communities and stakeholders to prioritise mental health, combat stigma and ensure access to resources for students well-being.“Navigating the storm is a collective responsibility. We must work together to create a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes student well-being and resilience,” he said.