No fewer than 264 suicide cases were recorded in Nigeria within the last 4 years. The victims, comprising males and females, took their lives between January 2017 and August 2020, according to an investigation by Daily Trust to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, which is today, September 10.
The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide”. The number of recorded cases of suicide in Nigeria was arrived at by reviewing newspaper reports within the period. This figure excluded numerous suicide cases that have not been reported by the media. Nigeria is ranked 10th African country with higher rates of suicide.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that close to 800, 000 people die due to suicide every year. This means at least one person kills self every 40 seconds.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) said suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds globally.