Enugu, Nigeria — A 22-year-old hairdresser, Miss Odama Mary Agado, has reportedly taken her own life in Enugu after allegedly discovering her boyfriend with another woman.
Mary, who hailed from Woleche-Ipuole community in Yahe Ward, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, was said to have ingested a poisonous substance believed to be Sniper, a household pesticide, following the emotional incident.
According to family sources, the young hairstylist had been thriving in her business in Enugu and was known for her hard work and ambition. She had reportedly bought a car and rented an apartment for her boyfriend prior to the tragic event.
A family member, Daniel, told reporters that Mary became distraught after visiting her boyfriend’s residence on Friday and finding him with another woman.
“She left for her own apartment and called her mother to narrate what happened. During the call, she told her mother to take whatever happened in good faith, saying she would not live again,” Daniel recounted.He added that Mary’s mother, who was unable to call back due to lack of airtime, later received a call informing her that her daughter had consumed poison and been rushed to the hospital.
Despite efforts by doctors, Mary was confirmed dead later that evening. Her remains were transported to her hometown in Yala, Cross River State, where she was buried on Saturday.
“As soon as the body arrived, she was buried immediately because she was too young to be kept for the traditional burial rites,” Daniel explained.The family did not report the case to the police, maintaining that Mary’s death was a result of suicide.
“We are heartbroken. We don’t understand why she took such a drastic step over a relationship. Some people say spiritual manipulation was involved, but nothing can bring her back,” Daniel added.Mary’s death has sparked renewed conversations on mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and the dangers of self-harm among young Nigerians, especially in the wake of relationship-related distress.