Nigerian man who battled depression for 7 years ‘commits suicide’

Dele Bandele, a Nigerian man, who was earlier declared missing by friends, has reportedly been found dead.

Friends of Bandele had earlier taken to the social media to ask of his whereabouts using a flyer which contained phone numbers for contact as well as his picture.

The deceased was said to be last seen at Omole Phase 2 axis of Lagos while his last known location was said to be at the Third Mainland Bridge.

Bandele, who is said to be a digital strategist, was found dead on Tuesday — a few hours after he was declared missing. It is believed that the deceased committed suicide.

In a now-viral suicide note left behind, Bandele said he had battled with depression for seven years.

The young Nigerian also revealed that he had previously attempted suicide on three occasions but had been discouraged by thoughts of the consequences to those around him, particularly his mother.

He, however, said his seemingly elusive search for “peace and rest” made him attempt the fourth time, which comes a week after his birthday.

“I have battled with depression for 7 years, and now that battle is over. l couldn’t continue to live the way l did and make the same bad choices again. The noise got too loud but now the noise can stop again” he had written.

“P.s I didn’t send my mum a note because l couldn’t bear to. If you’re reading this, then you probably know how much she meant to me. The thought of her would have discouraged me. l couldn’t let it. Not for the 4th time.

“Take care of her for me. Take care of Folarin for me. To my father, I pray the Father forgives him.

“Like l have always said, ‘life is like a party, when you stop having fun, leave’. So it had to be today, a week after my birthday. Please pray for my soul. Pray that l finally find peace and rest. It’s all I ever wanted. I love you dearly. Goodnight.”

Efforts by TheCable Lifestyle on Wednesday to get Muyiwa Adejobi, Lagos police spokesman, to comment on Bandele’s death did not materialise as of the time this report was filed.

The phone numbers on the flyer earlier circulated about the deceased’s whereabouts could also not be reached for reaction.

News of his demise has since sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians paying tributes to the young man.

Joining the fray, Davido, a Nigerian singer, wrote: “RIP Dele…sad.”

RIP DELE … sad

— Davido (@davido) January 13, 2021

Here’s what some Nigerians had to say:

Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person.never let anyone be the reason why u are depressed, just av the believe that u gonna conquer any circumstances DAT comes over you……..and u will

Its hurts…….Rip dele pic.twitter.com/Xpp0qVJdW1

— Baby Yagi (@IsRayor) January 13, 2021

Please ! Please!! Suicide is not the best option for depression.

If you notice any depressive sign in anyone, try your best to know what’s up. Everything is not money money, some people need listening ears.

RIP Dele pic.twitter.com/bSVEWZzRzH

— Blizz (@blizz_diamonds) January 13, 2021

Depression is real. Everything is not always about money. Please, do check on your friends & family. Be deliberate about it. People have a lot going on, they feel no one can understand them, so they bottle it in. Dele is one death too many. Death is never an option. RIP Dele…💔

— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) January 13, 2021

Being a Nigerian alone could trigger suicidal thought… People pass through hell every single day of their life

Rip dele😭😭

— @Akwaibom lastborn (@Ekemini_udokong) January 13, 2021

No matter what you are going through suicide isn’t an option. Yes! depression is real. We must learn to fight and keep fight. This breaks my heart. RIP Dele

— Bade (@moo_rex) January 13, 2021

Majority of Male Children and first borns are depressed. The society expects them to be strong at all times so they bottle up their emotions.

Guys, it is okay to cry. It is fine to need a break. It is absolutely human to ask for help. Just don't kill yourself😩

Rip Dele💔

— Cʜɪᴇғ Dʀᴇᴀʏ🦅 (@tweetsbydreay) January 13, 2021

This is so sad😩😭

Depression is real, talk to One or two of your friends today, Make them laugh and attempt to take them out. RIP Dele

Rest In Peace 🥲 pic.twitter.com/l9qYoXxpgX

— Jaynaija Blog (@Jaynaijadotcom) January 13, 2021

Depression is real, when someone makes a post about quitting, it doesn't really mean they intend doing it, they just need words of encouragement to get life going, yet some bluffs who hasn't experienced sh*t, doesn't know what it entails, so they make jokes outta it.

RIP DELE😢

— 𝐌𝕆𝐇𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐄🔰 (@Mohnice_) January 13, 2021

At this point, it is not about telling people to speak up alone, it is also about checking up on people intentionally.

If you notice any depressive sign in anyone, try your best to know what’s up. Everything is not money money, some people need listening ears.

RIP Dele

— Lola Okunrin (@lollypeezle) January 13, 2021

The hyprocisy on this app tueh tueh. Now you all are preaching depression is real and be kind but keep bullying celebrities and troll BBN housemates like they're immune to all your vile words 🤡🤡. RIP Dele. Pray you find rest.

— TINY🌟🌟 (@africandaisies) January 13, 2021

Majority of Male Children and first borns are depressed. The society expects them to be strong at all times so they bottle up their emotions.

Guys, it is okay to cry. It is fine to need a break. It is absolutely human to ask for help. Just don't kill yourself😩

Rip Dele💔

— Cʜɪᴇғ Dʀᴇᴀʏ🦅 (@tweetsbydreay) January 13, 2021

We all are emotional right now about the demise of Dele. By tomorrow, y'all go back to trolling & bullying everyone on & offline not minding their mental health all in the name of savagery for few likes & RTs.
Many are battling depression. Be kind.

RIP Dele.

— Zaddy 🔴 (@YemiDiji) January 13, 2021

Those words from Dele hit me hard, We don't pay attention to mental health in this part of the world and it's disheartening.
RIP Dele 💔.

— Victor Babatunde (@vhic_tore) January 13, 2021