A PRELIMINARY ANALYSISOF THE PREVAILING AND RISING CASES OF SUICIDE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In Nigeria suicidal behaviors and suicide in itself is against the law. Suicide is a major cause of mortality worldwide. It is a human tragedy that accounts for an estimated one million deaths annually. This translates to at least one death resulting from suicide every forty seconds. The magnitude of the problem is further compounded by the fact that the incidence of attempted suicide is about twenty-five times more than that of completed suicide. The sudden rise of suicide in Nigeria call for concern and the existence of suicide phenomena in the society is a major issue that needs to be looked into with a lot of concern, and creating effective preventative measure is a matter of urgency. This paper therefore is to provide information and preliminary analysis on ways that could assist policy makers to focus and build more robust discussion on suicidal behaviors and suicide. A number of factors have been shown to be consistently associated with depression, suicide and suicidal behaviors amongst Nigerians. This article will highlight recent research evidence that points toward those factors considered to be important risk factors. In so doing, useful strategies for prevention of suicide among young people will be suggested. On a final analysis, the paper would gear members of academia to focus more on suicidal behaviors and suicide in a way to suggest probable solutions to the issue raised. The study will also tries to identify factors leading to suicidal behavior, the impact of suicide on the family and society and recommended methods of prevention.  The study will also to further increase, entrench and nourishes different roles society can play to control, prevent and establish interventions.