A new approach to the understanding of Suicide

The Nigerian Experience:

Suicide commitment in Nigeria is reaching a frightening dimension, a state of emergency and shocking, to say the least, considering the fact that Nigerians are known to value their own lives regardless of his/her situation. Perhaps, maybe the socio/economic situations weren’t as bad as it is at present. Before delving deep into the prevalence of suicide in Nigeria, it is important for us to understand the concept in its totality rather than the subjective definition based on what we see happening around us.

A new approach to understanding the concept of Suicide

Suicide is not just about an instance of killing oneself intentionally as described by most clinical definitions. In today’s world, especially in Nigeria I have observed a trend and a catastrophic one for that matter, which makes me rethink the definition of suicide. Consider a woman for instance, who is married to a man who abuses her and often causes physical injury on her body, yet she still decides to stay in that relationship and choose to live with the serial abuser. Imagine renting a house which is evidently inhabitable, but a Nigerian family decides to manage and live therein, ignoring all vital signs and pretending that all is well and finally it collapses killing people.

The apparent disregard for danger when it is glaring that its consequences are lethal, in my opinion is suicidal, especially when our own lives are involved. In this regard, an individual who needs a new brake pad for his car but tries to manage with the damaged one by embarking on a journey with it is on a suicide mission. Disregarding vital signs in our body because of busy schedule without taking adequate measures to prevent deadly diseases or sickness, a state of uncleanliness which is inimical to our health and culminate in diseases are suicidal. Boko Haram is not an illusion to us, as majority of suicide commitment in Nigeria is traceable to this sect. The individual knows that by strapping a bomb around his waist, he’s going to be blown up, the same manner a soldier going to war knows that he/she may not come back alive. He has signed away his will to live and pursue the course of freedom, liberation and peace by laying down his life.

The Boko Haram terrorist and the Soldier on the battlefield are perhaps, slightly different from a Matyre, who would have to lay down his or her life for a course, mostly for the common good and peace. They all are aware of the consequences of their actions, however, with different motives. Their actions are premeditated, carefully crafted and sometimes practiced for execution. The motives of Matyres and freedom fighters such as soldiers is what however, set them apart from others and has made the society found a suitable name for them to reverence or worship them. 

Their actions to us are justified and essential for the attainment of a spiritual course or/and for the sake of peace and progress. That is why Jesus Christ, Martin Luther, the Apostles and others who died when they were threatened because of their Faith are not seen to have committed suicide. The actions of Ken Saro Wiwa and the other Ogoni leaders, MKO Abiola, Dele Giwa who stood firm against dictators, when they knew that their actions could get them killed easily comes to mind as a Nigerian.

Therefore, suicide refers to series of conscious, premeditated actions capable of taking one’s own life and the display of indifference to objects, things, events, lifestyle that threatens the life of the individual in a given social context. By this definition, we recognize the fact that the individual is aware of his/her actions, and not oblivious to the lethal effect on his own life, possesses cognitive ability and unbothered by the threat of his actions or in-actions on his own life.