By Hou Akot Hou
A 20-year-old lactating woman took her own life on Monday in War-lac village, Maduany Payam, Aweil West County, Northern Bahr El Gazal State.
The deceased, identified as Abuk Garang, had recently given birth to a baby girl.
Residents are in shock, as Garang had just delivered at Aweil Civil Hospital, and there were no known family disputes that could prompt the woman to take her life.
Many in the community expressed concern for the newborn, as Garang’s parents are struggling financially and unable to provide for the infant.
Garang Ngong, a local resident, described the incident as a devastating to the community, given the family’s dire circumstances.
“What we are appealing for is to give a helping hand to this baby as she is still very small. We don’t know why the deceased took such a decision,” he said.
According to Ngong, Garang had travelled from Maduany to Rum-tiit, where her mother lives and has a farm. After her mother left for the market, Abuk took her own life, despite no apparent conflicts or quarrels with anyone.
Ngong said parents to be vigilant with their daughters, urging them not to marry off young girls before they are mature enough to handle household responsibilities.
Mr. Deng Nyon, Administrator of War-laac Boma, called for a collaborative effort to support the orphaned newborn.
He appealed to the government and aid agencies to offer assistance, noting that the baby was taken back to the hospital for care.