Police authorities in Abuja have apprehended a man who climbed a mast and attempted suicide in protest against Nigeria’s severe socio-economic challenges.
The man, identified as Shuaibu Alhaji Yushau, climbed a 120-foot mast at ASO Radio in the Katampe area of the nation’s capital on Monday, threatening to end his life.
“After intensive persuasion, Shuaibu Alhaji Yushau was successfully prevented from taking his own life,” stated Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, in a statement issued late Monday.
He claimed to have been observing the mast for about a week before deciding to climb it. The suspect is presently in police custody and stable condition,”
Before he embarked on the suicide mission, Yusuf had penned a note in which he made a nine-point demand from the Federal Government, including the restoration of fuel subsidy and an immediate end to insurgency in the Northeast and Northwest.
Yusuf’s redacted suicide note seen online reads:
“On behalf of fellow Nigerians, I demand the following: Government should return fuel subsidy. Government should declare state of emergency in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger and Borno on unsecurity (sic) matters and take immediate action to clear those terrorism (sic) in the above listed state and the country at large.
“Government should open borders for food impartation (sic) 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.
“These are the major Nigerians (sic) problems and I’m ready to sacrifice my life for the solutions to them.
“-I’m calling for(sic) fellow Nigerians to join me on this riot.”