In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a mother of three in Enugu, South East Nigeria, has taken her own life after leaving her children at a local police station amidst the backdrop of escalating hardships in the country.
The news of this tragic incident has left the residents of Enugu in a state of shock and sorrow, prompting discussions across various social media platforms and gatherings.
In Nigeria, the age-standardised suicide rate was 6.9 per 100,000 population in 2019, across both sexes.
However, male suicide rates were higher at 10.1 per 100,000 population.
But Lesotho has the highest suicide rate in Africa at 87.5 per 100,000 population in 2019.
On the Enugu suicide, sources reveal that the distressed woman arrived at the Ogui Road police station with her three children, handed them over to the officers, and then proceeded to strip herself naked before running under a moving vehicle, resulting in her untimely demise.
The ages of her children are reported to be six, four, and two years old.Allegedly, the woman’s husband had abandoned the family months earlier, fleeing from the mounting challenges they faced.
When questioned about their father, the eldest child could only express that he was “lost,” unable to provide further details about their family, town, or address.
Upon hearing of the tragic incident, the wife of the Enugu State governor, Nkechinyere Mbah, swiftly intervened.
She expressed her belief that the woman may have been battling depression, emphasizing the importance of seeking counseling and avoiding impulsive decisions in times of distress.
Mrs. Mbah pledged to personally care for the children, ensuring their education from nursery school through university, through her Custos Care Foundation.
In a compassionate gesture, Mrs. Mbah directed the immediate transfer of the children from the police station to a safe home, where the state government could provide for their needs.
She called upon the Commissioner of the Ministry of Children, Gender, and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, to intensify awareness campaigns and counseling services, particularly for individuals facing depression.
As of the time of this report, the Enugu State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the tragic incident, leaving the community grappling with the aftermath of this devastating loss.
This heartrending incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for mental health support and social safety nets in in societies like Africa.
Experts have continually harped on compassion and empathy, reaching out to those in need and fostering a culture of care and understanding for those facing challenging circumstances.
