Suicide: NAFDAC Finally Takes Action To Curb The Epidemic
Suicide rates among adolescents, teenagers and youths have risen sharply in Nigeria and is now a subject of national concern. One of the most popular poison for Nigerians who commit suicide has been the ‘Sniper’ insecticide.
In order to prevent more Nigerians from using the product to take their lives, the National Food, Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has, however ordered agro-dealers to withdraw the popular agricultural pesticide from open markets and supermarkets.
The latest development was made public by NAFDAC’s director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products Directorate, Dr. Bukar Usman, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan on Wednesday, June 19, Leadership reports.
Doctor Usman, while speaking during the launch of Lifeline, a new herbicide for cassava farmers, pointed out that Sniper is not for households as it’s an agro-cultural product meant to be used in farms only.
He implored manufacturers and dealers to cooperate with the agency to mop up the 100ml size of the product which were inexpensive and easy to acquire.
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Dr Usman stressed that the order was a restriction of the use and availability of Sniper to farms alone, and not an outright ban of the product. He added that all agro-chemicals meant for farms should not be used in households. He said:
“There are appropriate products for the control of mosquitoes and other household pests.”
Recall that last month, former presidential aide, Reno Omokri had suggested ways to the government of president Muhammadu Buhari to mitigate the unprecedented spike in suicide incidents in the country. Omokri in his tweet called on the president to ban sales of SNIPER and similar substances.
In a separate tweet, he posted that many Nigerians do not understand how pharmaceutical restrictions work, he went on to explain in the words below:
”Many Nigerians don’t understand how the banning pharmaceuticals work. In advanced nations, substances, like sniper, are regulated. Before you can buy them, you need a certificate or a prescription. We need this. These substances shouldn’t just be available for sale to just anyone.”
Still on how to curb the subject, former vice president and presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar had also urged parents and communities to pay close attention for early signs of depression among young people.
”The rate of suicide among our youth is worrisome. I believe that as parents and community, we need to pay close attention for early signs of depression among our young people, particularly in this depressing times.”