NNEWI, Nigeria – A 30-year-old pastor identified as Prosper Igboke died after jumping from a two-storey building in Nnewi, Anambra State.
According to sources, on Friday, August 25, 2023, the deceased, a native of Umunneochi in Abia state, took the drastic step following disappointment from his girlfriend.
A relative of the deceased, speaking on the condition of anonymity, recounted how the young pastor had been left heartbroken after his girlfriend declined his marriage proposal.
According to the relative, Igboke had financially supported his girlfriend through her university education.
“The man was 30 years old at the time of his death. His girlfriend, whom he intended to marry, disappointed him after seeing her through the university,” the source stated.
The incident raises questions about the psychological well-being of those in religious and leadership roles and societal norms and pressures that might contribute to such extreme actions.
“I am surprised that a man of this age and a pastor can do this,” the relative said.
Due to the nature of his death, considered a “sacrilege” by local traditions, Igboke was buried in a forest in the Leru autonomous community of Umunneochi LGA in Abia state, further emphasizing the stigmas that often surround mental health and emotional issues in various communities.
As the news of the tragedy spreads, it serves as a grim reminder of the importance of mental health support and awareness, especially for individuals facing significant emotional and psychological stress.
The incident is expected to spark conversations on the need for better emotional support systems within religious institutions and the community.
Pastor, One Other Killed, 9 Kidnapped as Gunmen Unleash Terror on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway
A group of gunmen intercepted a bus carrying passengers along the Imo axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, kidnapping nine people, killing two, and robbing others of their belongings.
The incident occurred on Saturday, June 24, 2023, as the victims from Amangwo Olokoro in Umuahia were traveling to Enugu for a funeral.
One of the victims, who identified himself as Francis (not real name), narrated the ordeal to journalists in Umuahia on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
He stated that their Sienna Bus was flagged down at gunpoint near the Arondizuogu Junction and was then diverted off the expressway into a hamlet deep in the bush.
According to Francis, the armed men ordered the passengers to get out of the vehicle, sit on the ground, and remove their shirts, which were then used to blindfold them.
One of the passengers reportedly questioned the gunmen, leading to a brutal attack with a machete.
Francis further explained that the armed men shot two of the passengers dead upon arrival at the hamlet.
The rest were taken hostage in three new Hummer buses at the hideout, which reportedly had around 50 men, 20 heavily armed.
“They told us that Umuahia people are ‘sabo to them’, that they asked us not to vote in the last election, and we went out to vote… They asked us to say our last prayers,” said Francis. After a terrifying ordeal, the hostages were released and returned to the main road.
The two deceased persons were identified as Chukwuemeka Nwachukwu, a pastor who initially confronted the gunmen, and Ifeanyi Onwunkwe, the local youth leader, who tried to escape.
The passengers were robbed of cash and cell phones.
A local journalist stated that the incident has cast a shadow of mourning over the area.
Attempts to contact the Imo Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, were unsuccessful.
However, a senior police officer at the Abia Police Command indicated awareness of the incident, but stated that no formal report had been made as the incident occurred in Imo State.
The local communities and authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to curb the rising menace of armed attacks in the region.
