Attempted suicide: Akpabio takes a punitive stance as survivors need care

Nigeria’s Senate passed a bill to decriminalise attempted suicide at second reading on October 13 and referred it to its health and judiciary committees. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, warned that imprisonment could deter people in distress from seeking help and drive some to make a later attempt fatal. Senate President Godswill Akpabio took the opposing stance, saying survivors should be sent to prison. Psychiatrists and mental health advocates, including Professor Daniel Ikpechukwu, condemned the punitive approach and called for treatment, rehabilitation and continuing support.