A 14-year-old secondary school student, Nicknes Ayo, has reportedly taken her own life after her mother allegedly pressured her to reveal the identity of the man responsible for her pregnancy.

The incident occurred on Saturday in Egba village of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State.

A neighbour, who identified herself simply as Mama Enyi, told journalists in Makurdi that the young girl had returned home from school in Otukpo on Thursday, showing signs of pregnancy.

“Her mother noticed the changes and confronted her about it. She kept pressuring her to admit the truth and even threatened to take her to a clinic for confirmation. Out of fear, the girl ran away,” Mama Enyi said.

Our correspondent gathered that the girl was later found in her room after allegedly ingesting a substance suspected to be Gamalin, a toxic pesticide.

She was reportedly rushed to a local clinic, popularly known as ‘Ghana Clinic.’

The medical director of the clinic, Dr. Oyaje Sule, also confirmed the incident to journalists.

“They brought the girl to my clinic on Saturday morning, and it was suspected that she had taken Gamalin after being pressured by her mother about her pregnancy. When her condition worsened, I referred her to a hospital in Obagaji, the Agatu local government headquarters, but she sadly died on the way,” Dr. Sule explained.

Similarly, the Agatu local government chairman, Melvin James, confirmed the incident, expressing concern over the rising cases of teenage pregnancy and suicide.

“The girl had come home for the annual Egba Day celebration when her mother confronted her about the pregnancy. In distress, she consumed an unknown substance, possibly Sniper or another harmful chemical. The next morning, she was found dead,” he said.

James urged young girls to always confide in their parents and seek guidance rather than resorting to drastic measures.

“No challenge, including pregnancy, should lead a child to end her life. Parents are there to help and support, and young girls should never feel alone in difficult situations,” he advised.

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls.