Woman, 65, commits suicide

By EMMA UNA, Calabar

In what is apparently a hurried exit from earth, a 65-yr-old woman, described as the daughter of the late Ukpe clan head, Madam  Alice Obeng, yesterday, committed suicide by hanging in Bayobri community in Ukpe, Obudu local government area of Cross River State.

Her lifeless body was found hanging from the ceiling of her bed room, with her tongue out  even as she did not leave any suicide note. One  Julius Odey Okang, resident in the community, said Obeng went to bed the previous evening after dinner, looking cheerful with no clue that she had such plan  in mind.

But some villagers said she had a health problem for which she was always in and out of hospital.

Few days to the suicide, she was said to have complained of the return of the sickness, and her nephew based in Calabar, the state capital, decided to arrange for N37, 000 for her go for medical check-up.

Obeng reportedly went into her apartment and left the money on the floor, and hung herself using a piece of cloth which was tied to the ceiling.

The woman was buried about two hours after being confirmed dead as suicide is an abomination in the land.

While relatives were digging her grave, it was gathered that thieves  sneaked into the house and stole N8, 000 from the money she left behind.

The deceased left behind seven children, including five from her estranged husband, Mr. Sylvester Okang, and two others born out of wedlock.