Residents of Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State were thrown into deep shock on Tuesday following the death of a young man, identified simply as Israel, who reportedly took his own life after an emotional breakdown linked to a failed romantic relationship.
The tragic incident has cast a pall over the otherwise quiet riverine community, with residents struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss. Community sources said Israel had been emotionally distressed for some time after a prolonged disagreement and eventual separation from a woman he was believed to be deeply attached to.
According to eyewitness accounts, the deceased had become withdrawn in recent days and appeared unusually sad, though no one anticipated the situation would end so tragically. His death has since sparked widespread grief and renewed conversations about mental health challenges among young people in the Niger Delta.
A resident of Elebele, who requested anonymity, described Israel as a calm, hardworking young man whose death had left the community devastated.
“He was never known for trouble. He kept to himself and was focused on his work. People noticed he had been quiet lately, but no one imagined he was going through something this heavy,” the resident said.
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Another community member noted that the incident reflects a growing mental health crisis, especially in rural communities where access to counselling services and emotional support structures remains limited.
Family members of the deceased were said to be inconsolable as youths, elders, and sympathisers gathered at the family compound. Traditional rites were reportedly initiated in line with local customs as the community mourned the loss.
A source at the Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident, stating that preliminary investigations had commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over rising cases of depression, emotional trauma, and suicide among youths in the region. Community leaders and residents have called for increased awareness, improved access to mental health support, and stronger intervention mechanisms to prevent similar incidents.
As Elebele mourns, residents urged parents, guardians, and friends to pay closer attention to the emotional wellbeing of young people, encouraging those facing distress to seek help and speak out rather than suffer in silence.
