Miner commits suicide in Ilorin over economic hardship

The lifeless body of a man, identified only as Prince, said to be a miner has been discovered by his neighbours in his rented apartment located at Jooro, Asa Dam area of Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. ‎Prince was said to have been living comfortably as a miner for many years in […]

The lifeless body of a man, identified only as Prince, said to be a miner has been discovered by his neighbours in his rented apartment located at Jooro, Asa Dam area of Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.

‎Prince was said to have been living comfortably as a miner for many years in Ibadan before relocating to Ilorin about three weeks ago after experiencing economic misfortune.  

The problem, according to sources, led to separation from his wife and children, a few years ago.

A resident of Jooro and neighbour of the deceased, who craved for anonymity said, “Nobody knew about the plan of Prince until his church member came around as his door was locked.

“The church member knocked without any response. So the people forced the door open only to find Prince’s lifeless body dangling from the ceiling.”

It was also gathered that the deceased had informed a pastor at a church which he reportedly joined at Adewole area of Ilorin about two weeks ago, of his intention to commit suicide due to hardship.

According to another source, who worshipped in the same church with the deceased, the pastor had on about three occasions given Prince money to ameliorate his suffering and had even referred him to members of the parish for employment.

The source also said that the pastor had told him not to carry out his threat and had subsequently called a church member to check on Prince at his Jooro residence to forestall any mishap.

Speaking on the last moments of the deceased, the source said that, “Prince left home on a motorcycle with a sack and returned to his room without talking to anyone.

“Last Sunday, his son paid him a visit but Prince refused to open the door until the neighbours pleaded with him to allow the young man in,” the source said.

The spokesman of the Kwara State Police Command, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident.