A young man identified as Israel has hanged himself at Elebele community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, over alleged emotional breakdown linked to a failed romantic relationship.
The incident which occured yesterday threw the quiet riverine community into shock and mourning after the news spread that the young man was found dead in circumstances suggesting suicide, reports Daily Trust.
According to community sources, Israel had been battling emotional distress after a prolonged disagreement and eventual separation from a woman he was said to be deeply attached to.
It was gathered that the deceased had shown signs of withdrawal and sadness in recent days, but no one anticipated such a tragic outcome.
A resident of the area, told our correspondent that Israel was a calm and hardworking young man whose death had left the entire community devastated.
He said, “He was not known to be violent or troublesome. People noticed he was not himself lately, but nobody imagined it would end like this. It is a painful loss.”
Another community member described the incident as a reminder of the growing mental health challenges among young people, particularly in rural communities where access to counselling and emotional support services is limited.
Family members of the deceased were said to be inconsolable as youths and elders of Elebele gathered at the family compound, while traditional rites were reportedly initiated in line with local customs.
Police Spokesman in Bayelsa State, DSP Musa Muhammad, who confirmed the incident, said the preliminary investigations had commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the death.
He said the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr Daniel Iyamah, had directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area to visit the scene, where the corpse of the deceased was discovered and deposited in the mortuary.
