Human Tragedy; 720,000 people commit suicide annually
Human Tragedy; 720,000 people commit suicide annually
More than 720,000 people commit suicide every year and many more attempt it, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
The Director-General of WHO Tedros Ghebreyesus is calling for “shifting the narrative” on the issue “to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma and foster compassionate conversations.”
Speaking on the World Suicide Prevention Day, which is marked annually on September 10, Tedros said “each life lost leaves a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues and entire communities.”
All age groups are affected by suicide and was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021, the last year for which data has been gathered by WHO.
Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries and impacts all regions of the world.
Close to three quarters of global suicides occurred in low and middle-income countries in 2021.
The average number of suicides across the world in 2021 was 8.9 per 100,000 people.
In Africa, the figure stood at 11.5, while in both Europe and Southeast Asia the number of suicides was recorded at 10.1 per 100,000 people.
The link between suicide and mental disorders, in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders, and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries.
However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.
In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour.
Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants, indigenous peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons and incarcerated prisoners.
“We must move from silence to openness, from stigma to empathy, and from neglect to support,” Tedros said.
“We must create environments where people feel safe to speak up and seek help,” he stressed.
“Shifting the narrative on suicide also means driving systemic change, where governments prioritise and invest in quality mental health care and policies to ensure everyone gets the support they need.”
According to the 2024 Mental Health Atlas report by WHO, median government spending on mental health has remained at a modest two percent of total health budgets since 2017.
Moreover, there is a significant disparity between high-income and low-income nations.
Whilst high-income nations allocate up to $65 per person to mental health, low-income nations spend as little as $0.04.
WHO recognises mental health as a universal human right.
WHO says that there are effective measures that can be taken to prevent suicide and self-harm.
LIVE LIFE, the agency’s initiative for suicide prevention, recommends limiting access to the means of suicide (eg, pesticides, firearms, certain medications).
It also recommended interaction with the media for responsible reporting of suicide;
Fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents, early identification, assessment, management and following up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours are other effective measures, according to WHO (NAN)
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Increase salary, welfare packages for Police other security personnel – FG told
Increase salary, welfare packages for Police other security personnel – FG told
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for improved welfare packages for armed forces personnel and all members of the security and intelligence community to aid their effectiveness and efficiency.
National Chairman of PDP, Tanimu Turaki, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Thursday to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
Turaki also urged the Federal Government to adequately fund security agencies to effectively neutralise those he described as agents of insecurity, and restore peace to the country.
He expressed PDP’s condolences to the families of members of the armed forces who died in active service while executing their mandate of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“On a day like this, we acknowledge that they paid the supreme price for the continuous existence of our country.
“We advise all actors, whether state or non-state, not to engage in actions capable of destabilising the country.
“In honour of those who have died to keep our country safe, we pray that their deaths may not be in vain and their labours not forgotten,” Turaki said.(NAN)
News
Rivers Lawmakers fail to resume plenary amid ongoing impeachment proceedings against Gov Fubara
Rivers Lawmakers fail to resume plenary amid ongoing impeachment proceedings against Gov Fubara
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, did not reconvene for plenary on Thursday, a week after adjourning its last session.
During its first sitting of 2026, held last Thursday, the House had initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct. The charges reportedly included the demolition of the state assembly complex and unauthorized spending, among other allegations. That session was adjourned to January 15, 2026.
However, as of noon on Thursday, a visit to the assembly—currently holding sittings at its conference hall along Aba Road—showed no indication that the House would resume.
No official reason has been provided for the delay, and a new date for resumption has not been announced.
News
Two killed, others arrested as Police operatives engage hoodlums that attacked ex–Governor’s convoy in gun battle
Two killed, others arrested as Police operatives engage hoodlums that attacked ex–Governor’s convoy in gun battle
Two suspected armed robbers were shot dead following a prolonged gun battle with police at Enugwu Agidi Junction in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to the state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, the clash occurred between security operatives and hoodlums believed to be armed robbers and cultists with links to a proscribed secessionist group. He said the exchange of gunfire lasted about two hours.
Ikenga disclosed on Thursday that three other suspects escaped during the operation, sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
He added that items recovered from the scene included one T.06 rifle, two pump-action guns, 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition, 15 live cartridges, assorted criminal charms, a red cult beret, and a black Toyota Highlander vehicle.
He said, “Anambra State Police Command in the early hours of 14th January 2026 recorded another major operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.
“The Police Operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu acting on credible and actionable intelligence, laid an ambush to a 5-man group of armed hoodlums suspected to be armed robbers, cultists, and linked to a proscribed secessionist group at Enugwu Agidi Junction, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“Upon sighting the Operatives, the suspects engaged the Officers in a fierce gun battle that lasted for two hours which resulted to fatal gun shot injuries on two of the armed suspects, while the other three fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
“The Operatives also recovered One (1) T.06 rifle, two (2) pump-action guns, Twenty-four (24) rounds of T.06 ammunition, Fifteen (15) live cartridges, Assorted criminal charms, One cult red beret and One black Toyota Highlander vehicle.
“Furthermore, while in deep agony, one of the armed suspects confessed the gang members as being part of those who launched an unsuccessful but repelled attack by the Police Operatives on the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.
“He also confessed being part of the striking squad of Vikings confraternity on a mission to retaliate the death of one of their members by another rival cult group.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu while commending the gallantry of the operatives charged them to intensify efforts to arrest other gang members, particularly those who fled with gunshot injuries during the encounter.
“Meanwhile, hospital or related medical facilities are advised to admit anyone with gunshot wounds or related injuries, but must endeavor to report such to the nearest Police Station immediately.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.”
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