Niger: Student commits suicide over alleged gambling losses, debts

Suicide rope

A 300-level student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai (IBBUL), Niger State, Kelvin Danlami, has committed suicide. The deceased was in the department of computer science before he took his life. He was said to have hanged himself from the ceiling of his room and was found in his off-campus hostel in Lapai town on Monday evening.

Our correspondent gathered that the deceased did not leave any suicide note before he took his life.

Some of the colleagues of the deceased, however, described him as a gambler who can stake any amount on gambling to achieve his aim.

One of the colleagues who wanted anonymity said, “Kelvin was heavily indebted to some people and was battling on how to settle the indebtedness which he could not.

“He was a chronic gambler, and most often, he used to find it difficult to settle his school fees, feed, settle his accommodation and even meet his other obligations,” the source revealed.

When contacted, the public relations officer of the university, Baba Akote, confirmed the incident, saying, “We are meeting soon over the matter, and we will release an official statement after the meeting.”

Secretary General of the Student Union Government (SUG), Aliyu Abubakar, also confirmed the incident.

“The incident is sad and painful, and on behalf of the entire student community of IBB University, Lapai, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, friends, the Department of Computer Science, and all students of the university over this great and painful loss,” the SUG secretary remarked.

Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Lapai. Vanguard