Reports of suicide are surfacing with alarming frequency across Nigeria, highlighting a growing mental health crisis. Recent tragic cases, such as the death of Toluige Olokoobi, who gained attention through a viral video, and an Army captain, Alphonsus Bazza, have shocked many. Olokoobi’s death, which occurred in the presence of her one-year-old child, and Bazza’s suicide in Akwa Ibom, both underscore the widespread nature of depression and hopelessness in the country. These are not isolated incidents—across Nigeria, there are increasing reports of suicides driven by personal, economic, and mental health struggles.

Olokoobi, a mother of three, had been battling depression, as neighbors reported. In another case, Terver Orfega, a 29-year-old man from Abuja, ended his life after a business failure and being unable to repay a loan. Similarly, 17-year-old Betwom Bitrus from Bauchi hanged himself after telling his family he was heading to a stream.

These tragedies are part of a broader trend. In July, two significant cases made headlines: a 72-year-old man from Osun State, Kareem Aderemi, shot himself due to the pain of partial blindness and depression, while a young pastor in Anambra, Prosper Igboke, allegedly jumped to his death after a failed romantic relationship. In August, a viral video showed bystanders preventing Lagos socialite Fareeda Abdulkabir from jumping off the Third Mainland Bridge, citing marital frustrations.

Suicide cases in Nigeria are rising, with 79 reported deaths in 2022, according to The PUNCH. Lagos led with 12 cases, followed by Oyo with 10, and Kano with four. However, experts believe that many cases go unreported, which suggests that the numbers could be much higher. The causes of this crisis are multifaceted, but experts point to factors like widespread poverty, unemployment, hunger, and insecurity as major contributors to declining mental health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists suicide as the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally, with over 703,000 people dying from suicide each year. The WHO also highlights the most common methods of suicide—pesticide ingestion, hanging, and firearms—all of which are prevalent in Nigeria. The ease of access to substances like the Sniper pesticide has previously led the Nigerian government to restrict its sale.

Additionally, the breakdown of traditional family structures, increased drug abuse, and undiagnosed mental health conditions are fueling the crisis. According to the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, over 60 million Nigerians are living with some form of mental health issue, yet there are only about 200 mental health professionals nationwide to address the needs of this massive population.

Mental health professionals emphasize that suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, and feelings of hopelessness and frustration can evolve into depression if left unchecked. The WHO insists that suicide is preventable and recommends measures such as limiting access to means of suicide (like pesticides and firearms), monitoring individuals at risk, and promoting responsible media reporting on the issue.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) have called for the government to decriminalize attempted suicide, urging that those who attempt suicide need care and support, not punishment. Collaboration between the government, families, communities, and religious organizations is essential to tackling this growing epidemic. By addressing the root causes of depression, providing more mental health support, and raising awareness, Nigeria can reduce the number of lives lost to suicide.

In conclusion, the alarming rise in suicide cases demands immediate action from all sectors of Nigerian society. The government must prioritize mental health services, decriminalize suicide attempts, and increase public awareness of depression and other mental health issues. Families, friends, and communities should remain vigilant, ensuring that those struggling with mental health challenges receive the care and support they need.