14-year-old schoolgirl commits su!cide over pregnancy

A 14-year-old schoolgirl, identified as Nicknes, has died by su!cide in Egba, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, after reportedly facing pressure from her mother to reveal the identity of the person responsible for her pregnancy.

A neighbour, who gave her name as Mama Enyi, said the teenager had returned home from Otukpo on Thursday, showing signs of pregnancy.

She explained, “Her mother, who noticed some signs of pregnancy, inquired from her if she was pregnant or not. After much pressure and threats to take her to a clinic, the girl ran away.”

According to the neighbor, the girl was later discovered in her room after allegedly ingesting a substance suspected to be bottled Gamalin. She was quickly taken to a local health facility known as ‘Ghana Clinic.’

Confirming the incident, the Medical Director of the clinic, Dr. Oyaje Sule, said, “It is true, they brought a 14-year-old girl to my clinic this morning, and she was suspected to have taken Gamalin after her mother pressured her to disclose who was responsible for her pregnancy.

“But when the situation was getting out of hand, I referred her to a hospital in Obagaji, the headquarters of Agatu Local Government. Unfortunately, she died on the way.

“As I’m talking to you, the girl has been buried. Unfortunately, she lost her father a few years ago.”

Attempts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for confirmation were unsuccessful, as calls to her phone went unanswered.

(PUNCH)