Samson Philip, a 45-year-old lecturer at the Taraba State College of Health Technology, Takum, has been found dead in what police suspect to be a case of suicide.
Philip’s lifeless body was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday in his residence in Bete, Takum Local Government Area of the state.
Family sources revealed that a rope was found tied around his neck, with a bottle containing an unknown substance also recovered near the scene.
The tragic incident has thrown the academic community and residents of Takum into mourning, as colleagues and neighbours expressed shock over his demise.
Speaking on his death, a friend of the deceased, who spoke under condition of anonymity on Wednesday, said, “Earlier today, we were at Bete in Takum LGA to bid Samson Philip farewell.
“He committed suicide for reasons best known to him and God. People are speculating, but only Samson and God know what truly happened.
“Perhaps he thought of talking to a pastor but feared it might become a sermon. Or a close friend, only to have his secret passed from one friend to another,” he said.
When reached, Taraba State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, James Lanshen, confirmed Samson’s death, stating that he was aware of the situation and was expecting a thorough report from the Divisional Officer in Takum.
“The incident has been reported to us. We are awaiting full data from the DPO in Takum before issuing an official statement,” Lanshen informed our correspondent Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, residents and students have paid their respects to the departed on social media, describing him as a calm and diligent professor.
