Metro
Suspended Shopping Mall Staff Commits Suicide
A lady identified as Jumoke Kehinde has allegedly committed suicide in her apartment at the Kajola area of Akure, Ondo State, after she was suspended from work for resuming late last Thursday.
The lifeless body of the 23-year-old lady, who worked at a popular shopping mall in Akure, was said to have been found in her room after she allegedly took a substance suspected to be an insecticide.
A manager in the organisation, who gave his name simply as Taiwo, confirmed the incident and said the deceased along with some other staff members was suspended for reporting late to work last Thursday, but expressed surprise that Jumoke could take her own life.
He said, “On that day, she was seen arranging her table getting ready for the day’s sales as she appeared happy, but she later left the mall around 11am after receiving the suspension letter.
“Around 4pm, a distress call was received in the office that she was not feeling fine. One of the management staff went to check on her. Jumoke was found on the floor of her room shivering, while her mouth smelled of the insecticide. No empty can of the substance was found anywhere as she was rushed to hospital. After some time at the hospital, she was pronounced dead.”
A colleague of the deceased, who pleaded anonymity, said after Jumoke was given the suspension letter, she went back home but never showed any sign that she would commit suicide.
He said, “Her mother called her but she couldn’t say anything and was just crying on the phone. The mother kept calling her line but later could not get through again; so, she sent someone to check on her. The person found her on the floor writhing in pain. We had to quickly call the office and rushed her to hospital.
“We all know that when you come late here, you will be suspended for a few days without payment. But I don’t see any reason why such an issue should make her commit suicide.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Tee-Leo Ikoro, said the matter was not reported at any police station.
It was gathered that Jumoke’s remains had been deposited in the morgue of the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital, Akure.
The Punch
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
