Shock swept through the RUGIPO community in Owo, Ondo State, following the discovery of 28-year-old Precious Arobo, a final-year HND II student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, dead in what authorities believe to be a suicide.
His lifeless body was found in a bush near his residence by concerned neighbors who had reportedly not seen him for hours. A note suspected to be a suicide letter was discovered close to the scene. While its full content remains confidential, preliminary reviews hint at deep emotional struggles tied to a romantic fallout.
Friends and relatives described Arobo as soft-spoken and kind-hearted, with no previous signs that he was battling depression. His sudden death has left many devastated, with students and lecturers mourning a young man they say had a bright future.
Close family sources confirmed to journalists that the deceased has already been buried in accordance with family decisions. His parents were said to be inconsolable during the brief ceremony.
The incident has reignited concerns over mental health awareness in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Several student groups have since called on polytechnic management to implement stronger counseling and support services for emotionally distressed students.
Police spokesperson SP Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the incident to the media on Monday, June 23, stating that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of death and rule out any foul play.
As the community reels from this loss, many are pleading for increased mental health interventions, especially for final-year students who are often overwhelmed by academic, emotional, and financial pressures.
