By Yang Ater Yang
Authorities in Lakes State are investigating a case of a 28-year-old woman who died by suicide in Yirol West County of Lakes State.
According to Elijah Mabor Makuac, the police spokesperson, the incident took place in Mapuor Payam.
“The police investigation over the incident is still ongoing to identify the reason why she committed suicide,” Makuac told No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper on Monday.
Makuac further revealed that the woman “sneaked into the forest and hanged herself with a rope to death.”
Daniel Laat Kon, a civil society activist in Lakes State, confirmed that they had heard about the suicide case in Yirol West County.
However, he said they still lack many details about the incident, but it is believed to be related to gender-based violence (GBV).
Kon explained that most of the suicide cases in the state are related to various forms of GBV, such as physical violence, forced marriage, or economic violence, which are prevalent in society.
“If we could hear a suicide case, it is like something which is continuing in Lakes State that needs partners to come up with an awareness-raising strategy to be rescued,” Kon said.
He added that the victims of these suicide cases include not only women but also children and girls, all of whom are linked to GBV, including forced marriage.
Kon emphasized that suicide cases have been an ongoing issue in the region, with incidents reported from last year up to the present.