IDENTIFYING THE DEMONS BEHIND SUICIDES IN NIGERIA – BY AFOLABI ZION DARA
· Bad
parenting, misplaced priorities, attraction to rituals, peer pressure, love for
demonic movies/literature, social isolation, quick fixes/get-rich-quick
syndrome among today’s youths, can be considered probable causes of suicides
Suicides
in Nigeria are fasting becoming commonplace, if the latest figures of suicide
victims are anything to go by.
For
me, this is not only a sad narrative, it is regrettable. At the last count, six
suicides were reported in just a week! This is the worst ever in the history of
people taking their lives in Nigeria.
A
critical examination of the probable causes of this latest scourge may not be
far from the following: considering failure as a taboo and as end of the road, inability
to withstand pain and always thinking that life is a bed of beautiful roses, absence
of the fear of God, anxiety, the display of ostentation by public figures either
among the men/women of God, entertainment celebrities, etcetera.
Whenever
some of these weak minds see this extravagant display of “wealthy lifestyles”,
it more often than not increases the feeling of inadequacy, particularly among graduates
who can't even afford a ride on a bicycle or afford a square meal. And this
oftentimes attracts the consideration of suicide as a way out.
Also
bad parenting, misplaced priorities, attraction to rituals, peer pressure, love
for demonic movies/literature, social isolation, quick fixes/get-rich-quick
syndrome among today’s youths, can be considered probable causes of suicides.
Suicide,
even if it adorns beautiful and colourful robes, cannot, and should never be
considered as an option out of one’s failings. Only a determined heart for a
change of status quo can overcome the present gloom. Yes, challenges are part
of the human existence. But they do not last, as there is always a way “in the wilderness“to
a life of comfort. Never consider suicide as an option for whatever reasons as you
go through some hard times. It’s not an answer to the question of hard times,
only the determination to get out of that current glooming situation can
provide that answer that you seek.
·
Afolabi
Zion Dara, wrote in from Lagos, Nigeria.
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