Health groups oppose attempted suicide bill

An anti-suicide campaign initiative, Suicide Is No Solution initiative, and Asido Foundation, a non-governmental mental health organisation, have launched a campaign against attempted suicide being a crime in Nigeria.

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A statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Suicide Is No Solution initiative, Ngozi Andrew, on behalf of the two groups disclosed this, stated: “Attempted suicide should not be a crime. Anybody who attempts to take his or her own life has come to the conclusion that life is no longer worth living. That individual is distressed with a strong need for professional mental health care, treatment, assistance and not punishment. Attempted suicide is a loud cry for help.”

The statement also opposed the new bill which was recently passed for the second reading at the House of Representatives where six months of community service and counselling was being proposed for Nigerian citizens who attempt suicide.

The groups said the proposed six months of community service was still a punishment for persons with underlying mental and psychological disorders.

According to Andrew, attempted suicide is still a crime in Nigeria punishable under the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which carries an imprisonment term of up to one year.

The groups commended the Lagos State Government for repealing the law which made attempted suicide punishable, urging other states in Nigeria to follow suit.

MTO/Punch