A shocking incident occurred at Child Care Development Primary School in Tudun Wada area of Gombe State on Monday, November 6, when a watchman was found dead in an apparent suicide.
The watchman, identified as Mallam Abdullahi Ardo, 38, was discovered hanging from a rag on a pole inside the school premises by some of his colleagues. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The motive behind the suicide is still unknown, but sources close to the deceased said he had been suffering from depression and financial problems for a long time.
The Gombe state police command confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway. The spokesperson, Mahid Muazu Abubakar, posted a statement on his X handle, expressing his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
The school management and staff also expressed their grief and shock over the loss of their colleague, who had been working as a watchman for over five years. They described him as a hardworking and friendly person, who always greeted everyone with a smile.
The incident has raised concerns over the mental health and well-being of the workers in the education sector, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. Experts have urged the authorities to provide more support and counseling services to the staff and students, and to raise awareness about the signs and prevention of suicide.
Please SAY NO to SUICIDE and preach against it.
A 38-year-old Mallam Abdullahi Ardo attached to Child Care Development Primary School as a watchman, was suspected to have committed suicide in the early hours of Monday, by hanging himself using a piece of rag on a swinging pole… pic.twitter.com/aEs31SY4eq
— Mahid Muazu Abubakar (@MaheedMuazu) November 6, 2023
