POLICE authorities in Abuja have arrested a man who attempted suicide as a protest over the country’s biting socio-economic hardship.
Shuaibu Alhaji Yushau from Borno State had earlier on Monday climbed a 120ft mast at ASO Radio transmission tower in the Katampe area of the nation’s capital, threatening to take his life for a solution to the problem of Nigerians.
Yusuf demanded the return of the fuel subsidy, among other demands for the government to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
Yusuf had a hand-written note addressed to President Bola Tinubu, which contained his demands.
The note read, “These are the major Nigerian problems, and I’m ready to sacrifice my life for the solution to them. I am calling for fellow Nigerians to join me on this riot.”
In his five-point list, targeting some of Nigeria’s challenges, he wrote, “On behalf of fellow Nigerians, I demand the following: “Government should return fuel subsidy.
“Government should declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, and Borno on insecurity matters and take immediate action to clear terrorism in the above-listed states and the country at large.
“Government should open borders for food importation in order to eradicate food shortages in the country.
“Government should immediately respond to the problem of out-of-school children, which is increasing rapidly.”
Meanwhile, after numerous pleas from Fire Service operatives, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and FCT officials, the man eventually descended from the mast and was subsequently apprehended by the police.
There has been an upsurge in suicide cases in recent times which some health experts have blamed on the biting economic hardship and hunger.
In September 2018, a 28-year-old man, identified as Nurudeen Lliyasu, had also climbed a telecommunication mast in Abuja, to protest the poor economy in the country.
Eighteen-Eleven Media