Tragedy struck Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Tuesday following the death of a young man, simply identified as Israel, who reportedly took his own life after an alleged emotional breakdown linked to a failed romantic relationship.
Residents of the quiet riverine community were thrown into shock and mourning after news spread that the young man was found dead in circumstances suggesting suicide.
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.
Eyewitnesses told Niger Delta Herald that the deceased had shown signs of withdrawal and sadness in recent days, but no one anticipated such a tragic outcome.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel was a calm and hardworking young man whose death had left the entire community devastated.
“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,” the source said.
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.
When contacted, a source at the Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident, stating that preliminary investigations had commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the death.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the rising cases of depression, emotional trauma and suicide among youths in the Niger Delta, with community leaders calling for greater awareness, emotional support systems and mental health interventions to prevent similar tragedies.
As the community mourns, residents appealed to parents, guardians and friends to pay closer attention to the emotional wellbeing of young people, urging anyone experiencing distress to seek help rather than suffer in silence.