An eight-year-old girl was found dead on Monday in the bathroom of her family compound at Red House Bus Stop, Ofolonu Road, Nsukka, Enugu State, in a circumstance suspected to be suicide.

It is very rare to hear that a child has committed suicide in Nigeria.

It is almost unheard of. We publish stories of children committing suicide but we have never heard of the case of a Nigerian child committing suicide until now.

According to Punch Newspapers, the lifeless body of an eight-year-old girl was found hanging in the bathroom of a residence in Ofulonu in Nsukka, Enugu State.

The girl, who was said to be full of life and vigour by those that saw her earlier in the morning, is reported to have committed suicide on Monday afternoon.

Punch reports that an eye witness who pleaded anonymity told the News Agency of Nigeria that the lifeless body of the girl was found about 3.20 p.m. hanging from a wood in the bathroom.

“I was surprised because I saw the girl playing with other children when I was going out to buy something from the market.

 

“I wonder what will make an eight-year-old to commit suicide.

 

“Another thing that surprised me is that the two legs of the child were on the ground, which is not normal when one commits suicide; the legs should be dangling,’’ she said.

Punch also reports that the victim’s guardian, Mr David Ajibo, told NAN that the child lived with him, adding that she was the daughter of his brother in-law.

“This girl has been staying with us since her father died. I am shocked as I do not know what to say; only God knows what happened.

 

“She was hale and hearty when I left the house in the morning, and I wondered what would make a girl of eight to commit suicide,’’ he said.

While foul play is being suspected, it is hard to comprehend how and why an 8-year-old Nigerian child will take their own life.

When a child commits suicide, bullying is usually cited as a reason. However some experts believe that bullying is rarely the only cause as there are almost always other factors. These factors include, mental illness, lack of parental support or conflict with parents, a recent trauma or death (especially if someone they knew committed suicide), extreme impulsivity or substance abuse, a mood disorder, ADHD, or a “conduct disorder,” which basically means antisocial behavior.

Also living an in abusive household can lay the groundwork for suicidal behavior. Suicide among children is more likely to be spontaneous.

In very rare situations children can commit suicide for no apparent reason, and many times when it happens, it’s in response to a humiliating event.

What are the warning signs?

If you think your child is at risk, here are some of the warning signs to look for:

• Talking about death or has expressed a wish to die.
• Written about death or drawn images related to death.
• Changes in mood.
• Impulsivity and risk-taking.

What can I do?

• Stay calm
• Show empathy. Ask questions, show that you understand, and find out what you can do to help your kid through it.
• Talk more. It is important to open the lines of communication.
• Be supportive. 
• Work with the school.If your child is being bullied, find out what their school’s policy is on bullying and make sure it’s an environment where your child will be supported.
• Get help. If your child is extremely hopeless and has an intent to die, it’s important to seek treatment immediately.