Update: Mother of Babcock Student Who Allegedly Committed Suicide Breaks Silence

Just recently, news about a Babcock undergraduate Verishima Unokyur, who allegedly committed suicide surfaced online. (read here)

19-year-old Unokyur, left many in despair after his death. His mother Patricia, who has been heart broken since the occurrence, said her son couldn’t have done such to himself without being manipulated.

Punch, reports that the deceased mother is a widow, who remained unmarried since the painful exit of her husband 15 years ago. She opened up saying:

“Why would my dear son commit suicide? He cannot do that.  I know him. He was manipulated and God will fight for us. I will forever love my son. I know he was too reserved. I forced him to talk to me. I asked him if he was facing any threats anywhere or he didn’t like the school he was attending but he said no. Since he entered the university, his reserved nature got worse. He was neat and obedient. He is a son I wish to have again and again.’’

A source close to the family, who spoke on the condition of anonymity described Patricia as a loving mother who made out time for her two children, and also took out time to visit her son in school.

“Their mother is a very wonderful person. She gave up everything for the joy and comfort of her boys after the death of their father. She ensured that the boys lacked nothing. One would think Verishima was the son of a king because there was nothing he needed that he did not get. She also gave them attention, always ready to talk with them to know what was worrying them at anytime. She is a great woman and an amazing mother. Only God knows what went wrong because this woman did her best for her late son,” he said.

A spokesperson from Babcock University, Joshua Suleiman, had this to say:

“Verishima, was a good student; his academic performance was excellent. He always obeyed instructions and was easy-going. We rated him as a student who was law-abiding. Whether in class or in his hostel, you would never catch him behaving rudely to anyone. He had a good character and was disciplined.  At this very moment, the school grieves over his death and we sympathise with his mother. It is saddening, nobody expected this. We are deeply saddened over his departure.”

Dolapo Badmus, a spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, disclosed that investigation is ongoing.

Photo Credit: Punch