200-level student of History and Diplomacy in the Federal University Otuoke (FUO), Arikekpar Lucky, allegedly suffering from depression, has committed suicide.
It was gathered that the 27-year-old student popularly known as Don Zednas, hung himself with a rope tied to a ceiling fan in the early hours of Monday, March 22, after locking the doors and windows.
The deceased, a one-time aspirant of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Student Representative, Central Zone, hails from Otuakeme, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa state.
According to Nigerian Tribune, sources in the university community said the student took the drastic step because he had been battling with depression because members of his family tagged him a failure in academics and life.
Arikekpar was said to have left a suicide note expressing frustrations with the pressure from his relatives, saying they left him with no option than to kill himself for peace to reign.
A source, who spoke to the publication, said that this is not the first time the deceased had attempted to take his life, adding that he had made such attempts twice last year.
“His family is always complaining that he spends too much effort, time and money on Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) politics rather than facing his studies.” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the student union leader, Mr Kojo Debekeme, explained that the student died out of depression, as he could not cope with some family issue again.
A family member, who pleaded anonymity, said that the young man has been buried “according to the tradition of the Ogbia people when such tragic incidents occur.”
The spokesperson of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident, said no official report has been made at the headquarters yet.
Meanwhile, friends and colleagues have taken to Facebook to mourn the deceased.
One Otokini Temutu, urged everyone to be more supportive of one another.
“The news all over the internet today is that this vibrant Ijaw young man in the Ijaw struggle, Mr Arikekpar Lucky from Otakeme community in Ogbia has taken his own life. My people, depression is real. Let us learn to lend a shoulder to one another as Ijaw people. May God rest his soul, amen”
On his part, Wisdom Ikuli reiterated that depression is real but suicide is never the option.
“Dear Bayelsa Youths, do not see suicide as the last option or the way out of your financial, emotional or health challenges.
“Most of us you admire, envy and even celebrate today have gone through terrible, unimaginable situations which would have resulted in Suicide and that would have been the end of our ugly stories, but we didn’t give up and our resilience has rekindled so much Hope that tomorrow shall be better and greater.
“Rest in peace Don Zednas Snr. No matter the pains, frustration or even shame, Suicide was not the best option.
“Remember for you to wear the Golden Crown, you must carry the thorny Cross. Learn from the heroic story of Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy who is celebrated all over the world now. No pain, no pay. No Cross, No CROWN.
“It is sad that you decided to choose this dishonourable path to bow out. Great Men don’t quit, same way those who quit, do not become great Men”
