A 14-year-old secondary school student, Nicknes Ayo, has reportedly taken her own life in Egba, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, after facing pressure from her mother to reveal the identity of the man responsible for her pregnancy.
According to a neighbor, identified as Mama Enyi, the teenager had recently returned home from school in Otukpo on Thursday, displaying signs of pregnancy.
Her mother, upon noticing the symptoms, questioned her and insisted on knowing the father of the unborn child.
When the girl refused to disclose the information, her mother threatened to take her to a clinic for confirmation.
Under mounting pressure, Nicknes fled from home.
The next morning, she was rushed to a local clinic after reportedly ingesting Gamalin, a toxic substance.
The attending medical officer confirmed the incident, stating that the girl’s condition worsened, leading to her referral to a hospital in Obagaji, the headquarters of Agatu Local Government. Tragically, she passed away on the way to the hospital.
The young girl, believed to be between 13 and 14 years old, was buried shortly after the incident.
Reports indicate that she had lost her father a few years ago, adding to the hardships she faced.
Efforts to obtain comments from the local government chairman, Melvin James, were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off.
Similarly, attempts to reach Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, were unfruitful, as she did not respond to calls.
Prompt news