Why My 34-Year-Old Graduate Son Killed Self After NYSC Service Year – Mother

Bryant Michael Ogah, a 34-year-old graduate and recent participant in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Passing-Out Parade, tragically ended his life in a hotel in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

According to reports, Bryant, who had battled mental health challenges for over a decade, ingested a harmful substance believed to be Sniper. His grieving mother, Mrs. Ogah, revealed that her son’s long-term health condition deeply impacted his aspirations and left him feeling incapable of contributing to his family’s well-being.

“Bryant was our first child and always dreamed of helping the family, but his mental health made it hard for him to achieve his goals,” Mrs. Ogah said. “Despite our encouragement and efforts to make him feel loved, he became overwhelmed by his struggles.”

Speaking further, Mrs. Ogah told The PUNCH:
“It was the mental health issue that affected him. He took poison and killed himself. He was tired of the situation. He could not help himself. He could not help anybody. So he felt there was no need to continue living.”

On December 23, 2024, Bryant informed his family that he planned to visit a friend for a change of environment. Unknown to them, this was a cover for his tragic plan. He checked into a hotel in the Television area of Kaduna South and consumed the poisonous substance.

When hotel staff did not see him vacate the room after 24 hours, they broke in and found him unresponsive but still breathing. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.

Mrs. Ogah, heartbroken and in tears, expressed the pain of losing her son. “He felt ashamed and frustrated because of his health challenges. We told him that just having him alive gave us joy, but he couldn’t see that.”

The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, stated:
“The command is investigating the matter.”