A 14-year-old boy identified as Pelumi has died by suicide in the Onipaanu area of Ogun State, shortly after he was teased for giving a girl in his neighbourhood a small gift and a handwritten note.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, has plunged the community into deep sorrow and raised fresh concerns over child supervision, emotional support and bullying culture among minors.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Pelumi had taken a gift and a love note to a girl, Adijat, who lives within the neighbourhood. He reportedly sent another child to deliver the items and watched from a distance.
Rukayyat, the mother of the girl, told reporters that the exchange was innocent and never intended to shame or embarrass the young boy.
“Pelumi came around 5pm with a gift and a letter for my daughter. He did not give it to her directly. When she asked who sent the delivery, people around pointed at him,” she said.
According to her, onlookers, mostly youths in the vicinity — joked about the boy’s gesture, teasing him for “being ready for marriage” at his age.
She stressed that the banter was harmless and not meant to ridicule him.
“Before we knew it, he ran off. Later, around 7pm, we heard that someone had taken his life. I didn’t imagine it could be him because it was such a minor issue,” she added.
It was later gathered that Pelumi had feared his mother would punish him if she found out he had given a girl a gift and written her a note.
The revelation has left parents and residents devastated, with many describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the emotional fragility of young adolescents.
Community members have urged parents, guardians and schools to pay closer attention to the mental well-being of children, especially regarding fear of punishment and peer pressure.
Authorities in the area are expected to commence a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.
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