Man commits suicide over hardship in Osun

A 25-year-old man, Joseph Abodunrin, has reportedly taken his own life in the Dagbolu community of Osogbo Local Government Area, Osun State, due to the rising cost of living and its impact on his mental health.

His cousin, Abodunrin Grace, confirmed the tragic incident on Thursday through her X handle, describing Joseph as someone who concealed his struggles behind smiles while encouraging others.

“I still feel shattered. You were the best brother. You encouraged us all, but you hid your pain behind fake laughter and smiles. Now we can’t get over it,” she wrote.

Before his death, Joseph had frequently posted about his struggles with mental health, hinting at his intentions but holding back because of his younger siblings. On January 31, he tweeted, “If not for my siblings, I would not commit suicide. Those younglings are still full of optimism, hope, and dreams that I don’t want to squash with the news of my death.”

However, on March 24, the day he ended his life, he quoted the same tweet and wrote a series of heartbreaking messages:

“I’m sorry I failed you guys, I couldn’t just do it anymore… No matter how I explain it, you won’t understand!!!”

“I hope y’all find it in you to keep fighting, hopeful, never negotiating your dreams, and to finally and eventually thrive. That is my last wish.”

He also revealed that his passwords were in the first page of his diary before bidding farewell.

Further checks on his past posts showed that on March 9, he questioned why he continued to fight for survival despite seeing no reason to live. He expressed feelings of helplessness, saying, “I didn’t create myself, I have no power over the genes I inherited or the parents I was born through. I have tried to seek help, but it absolutely made things worse.”

As of the time of filing this report, Joseph’s body had not been recovered, and the location he shared before his death, ‘Dagbolu,’ was no longer active.

When contacted, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Akeem Adeoye, said he was not aware of the incident but promised to provide updates if any new developments arise.

Joseph had marked his 25th birthday on February 6, 2025, just weeks before his tragic passing.