By Yang Ater
Authorities in Wulu County have raised concerns over a recent increase in suicide cases, calling for urgent intervention and stronger awareness campaigns in partnership with humanitarian organisations and community leaders.
Wulu County officials confirmed that two suicide cases were registered within a short period this month, reversing a period in which no cases had been reported for over a year.
Acting County Commissioner Abednego Degur Makuac said one of the victims, identified as Apolo Kulo, was found dead after hanging himself in the bush.
In another incident, a 28-year-old man, identified as Keng Abala Keng, reportedly ended his life using a firearm.
“In previous years, we had a number of suicide cases in different ways by rope and even gunshots and many others,” he said.
He added that the county had gone from 2025 up to June 2026 without recorded suicide cases until the recent incidents.
“The first person who committed suicide was in February. This person disappeared in February up to the last week of this month, June. This is where the body was recovered, and then recently, the same month, one of the soldiers committed suicide with a gunshot,” he explained.
The commissioner said the government, together with partners, has been engaging communities to raise awareness on the causes and prevention of suicide.
“We tried as a government and partners to raise awareness about suicide and what are the reasons people commit suicide,” he said.
According to him, consultations have been held with community leaders, women, youth, and civil society organisations, including Oxfam, to identify the root causes of the problem.
He said poverty remains one of the major contributing factors, alongside social pressures and lack of communication within families.
“Sometimes, most of the youth commit suicide, like if you want to marry a certain girl and if the parents are not agreeing… immediately the person will commit suicide,” he said. “Some of the people also, when they expect to have a shop or business… when a young man doesn’t have school requirements to study… All these contribute to poverty and sometimes may lead to suicide in Wulu County.”
Deputy Governor of Lakes State, Isaac Luka Manga, also condemned the incidents, describing them as a growing concern not only in Wulu but also in other parts of the state.
He said economic hardship and domestic disputes are among the main drivers of suicide cases, calling for urgent investigations and stronger preventive measures.
“This needs a quick intervention from the partners who are doing something related… Of course, the main cause of suicide cases in Wulu is economic hardship and domestic violence,” he said.
He further urged authorities to ensure accountability in cases where family conflicts and harmful social pressures contribute to mental distress.
Youth representative James Achien expressed concern over the rising number of suicides, saying young people are the most affected.
“I am speaking today not on my own behalf but on behalf of many youths in Wulu County who are worried about the future of our generation,” he said.
He called on government institutions, humanitarian organisations, civil society groups, and community leaders to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services.
He noted that unemployment, poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse are among the contributing factors, adding that limited access to mental health services at the county level is worsening the situation.
Achien also urged the government and partners to conduct comprehensive research on suicide cases in the county and expand awareness programs that encourage people to seek help.
“Stigma makes the problems worse… we need coordinated efforts and strong partnerships to sustain support and restore hope to those who feel forgotten or overwhelmed,” he said.
He appealed to religious leaders, teachers, parents, youth groups, and the media to promote dialogue on mental health and encourage community support systems.
Authorities and community leaders have since called for urgent and coordinated action to address the rising cases and prevent further loss of life in Wulu County and beyond.