Tragic Incident in Ayihe Community
A man identified as Tartor Ayihe, residing in Ayihe community near the International Market in Makurdi, Benue State, has reportedly taken his own life by ingesting a bottle of insecticide. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening, leaving the community in shock.
According to sources, the decision to end his life was allegedly linked to a land dispute involving the sale of a single plot of land to three different buyers. Unable to resolve the resulting crisis, the deceased resorted to suicide.
The Land Dispute
A source familiar with the matter revealed that the deceased had sold the same plot of land to three individuals, which eventually led to a heated dispute. The buyers, frustrated by the situation, brought the matter to the attention of local community leaders. A meeting was convened at the residence of the community chief (Zaki) to address the issue and determine how such a transaction could occur.
The source stated, “While the meeting was in progress, the deceased excused himself, claiming he needed to fetch something from his house. Instead, he visited three different provision shops in search of a specific insecticide.”
Desperate Act
Upon obtaining the insecticide, Tartor returned home, turned off his phone, and consumed the entire bottle. As the meeting continued, attendees grew concerned when he failed to return. The chief eventually sent individuals to check on him, only to discover his lifeless body in his home. The insecticide bottle was found nearby, confirming suspicions of suicide.
A source further disclosed, “He must have been overwhelmed by the situation and couldn’t handle the pressure. It’s heartbreaking.”
Efforts to Save His Life
The deceased was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital, but medical personnel pronounced him dead on arrival.
Police Confirm Incident
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Speaking on the matter, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, said, “We received the report this morning (Thursday), and operatives have been dispatched to investigate the situation.”
Community in Mourning
The Ayihe community has been left devastated by the incident, with residents expressing their sorrow over the loss. One resident remarked, “This is a tragedy for the entire community. Such disputes should never lead to a loss of life.”
Addressing the Root Causes
This incident highlights the growing need to address land disputes and fraudulent land transactions in local communities. Experts and community leaders are calling for stricter measures to regulate land sales and for increased support for individuals struggling with emotional and financial pressures.
Additionally, mental health advocates emphasize the importance of providing counseling and support to individuals facing crises to prevent such devastating outcomes.
As investigations continue, the tragic story of Tartor Ayihe serves as a reminder of the severe emotional toll unresolved disputes can have on individuals and the urgent need for proactive community interventions.
