Suicide not a solution

Every year, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) through the World health Organisation (WHO). The WSPD focuses global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organisations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable. The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024–2026) […]

Every year, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) through the World health Organisation (WHO). The WSPD focuses global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organisations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable.

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024–2026) is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. This theme calls on us all to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide. It is about shifting from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support — creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help.

According to the World Health Organisation estimates, more than 720 000 people die due to suicide every year and it is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. Seventy-three per cent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.

A Daily Trust compilation of the reported cases of suicide in Nigeria showed that in the last seven years, more than 367 citizens committed suicide! The breakdown shows that in 2019, at least 87 cases were reported while 2020 recorded 55 cases. In 2021, 43 cases of suicide were recorded while in 2022, there were 68 cases.  In 2023, it was 41, and in 2024, it was 45. In 2025, there were 28 instances so far of Nigerians committing suicide. The cases involved people of all gender and of different social status, including students and businessmen.

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Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering or a troubling situation that has become unbearable to a suicidal person. Although suicide or attempted suicide is a criminal offence under Nigeria’s criminal laws, it is now being reported regularly in the news. While different people (young and old) have different ways of managing failures in life, some individuals go for permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Untreated depression, according to medical experts, is one of the major causes of suicide. Other immediate and remote causes of suicide include mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, family history, divorce or breakup of a relationship, physical and sexual abuse including rape, incarceration, stigma, loss of job, house or money, terminal illness, hopelessness, bankruptcy, social isolation, unemployment, and war.

A Professor and Consultant Psychiatrist at Obafemi Awolowo University and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adesanmi Akinsulore, said Nigeria ranked sixth globally among countries with the highest suicide rates. He disclosed that men account for 79 per cent of suicides, while women are more prone to suicidal thoughts, emphasising the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the issue, especially among students.

According to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), More than one billion people are living with mental health disorder which is a leading cause of suicide in the world. Symptoms of mental illness include irritable mood, low self-esteem, and guilt.

Government, the society, parents and individuals all have separate and collective roles to play in curbing the tide of suicide in Nigeria. Parents and family members have the foremost role of identifying warning signs and taking prompt measures to address suicidal symptoms as soon as they manifest in their children, siblings or relations.

We recall the cases of Joshua Lawson, a 20 year-old final year student-Babcock university in Ogun State, who committed suicide after suspension for alleged exam malpractice from the university and Ajibola Ibitayo, a 200-Level student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, who committed suicide over poor academic performance . These are clear cases that needed family support and good counselling.

Sometimes, suicides occur due to depression following a loss of a loved one or losing a fortune. This also requires prompt family and societal intervention.

The growing rate of suicide indeed calls for urgent attention as the idea of taking one’s life is alien to our culture. In the past, suicide cases were rare and were mainly done over serious issues that brought shame to the persons involved. These days, youngsters commit suicide over the slightest difficulties.

In the first instance and urgently, governments at all levels must take steps to improve the state of the economy and engage the populace, especially the youth, to stem the tide of suicide in the country. As the saying goes, an idle mind is the devil’s work place.

There is also an urgent need for more enlightenment by religious and community leaders as well as relevant government agencies targeting the most vulnerable in the society.

Religious leaders have a huge role to play as Nigerians take what they say seriously. Their message should be that of hope. Nigerians should also imbibe the culture of speaking to psychologists and psychiatrists over their problems.

We believe that suicide is preventable if only all of us adopt the notion of being our brother’s keeper.