By John Odhe, YENAGOA
A middle-aged Delta State indigene identified simply as Oke, has allegedly taken his own life at his rented laundry shop in the Okaka area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The incident, which occurred under circumstances that are still unclear as of press time, came to light on Sunday morning when neighbours discovered the lifeless body of the deceased inside the shop.
Residents said Oke has lived and has been doing his dry-cleaning business in the area and was well known among members of the community.
According to neighbours, the deceased was regarded as a jovial and friendly person who related well with people around him, making the incident a shock to those who knew him.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said nothing appeared unusual about Oke’s behaviour before the discovery of his body, adding that the circumstances surrounding his death had left residents worried and confused.
The reason behind the alleged suicide could not be immediately established, as no information was available to indicate what might have prompted him to take his own life.
When our correspondent visited the area on Sunday, residents and neighbours were seen in sombre mood, with groups of people discussing the incident and expressing shock over the death.
The body was said to have been discovered inside the shop.
As at the time of filing this report, the police were yet to arrive at the scene of the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the death remained unclear, while residents awaited the arrival of security personnel to commence investigation and determine what actually happened.
The incident has once again raised concerns among residents over the need for people experiencing personal, financial or emotional difficulties to seek help from trusted persons and appropriate support services rather than resorting to self-harm.
