The Medical Director of Hosanna Specialist Hospital, Ilaro, Dr Kunle Obadina, has explained why Sniper kills fast when taken or injected.
Many Nigerians who died by suicide in recent years had been taking the substance which, though remained banned, is available in many stores.
Obadina recently treated the late Samuel Adegoke, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, who took Sniper after unsuccessfully betting with his school fees and those of his colleague.
In an interview with ‘The Punch’, the trauma surgeon explained that the test carried out on him showed that he was brought in brain dead.
The doctor said the substance had been banned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control since 2019.
He expressed concern on how the student had access to the toxic substance, highlighting the importance of stricter control measures.
Obadina said, “Despite our efforts to administer antidotes, it was too late. The material he ingested was one of the most poisonous insecticides containing potassium bromide, which rapidly enters the bloodstream and paralyses the brain.
“We would have used methods such as stomach pumping and washing and administering activated charcoal to counteract its effects if he had been brought to the hospital on time.
“However, once it enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, the chances of successful treatment decrease significantly.”
Describing the excruciating effects of the insecticide, the doctor emphasised that its ingestion was perilous.
“If the substance is evacuated from the body soon after ingestion and the individual reaches the hospital promptly, we can attempt to neutralise it,” he added.
Speaking on suicide, Obadina stressed the importance of seeking help when faced with overwhelming challenges.
He said, “Suicide is a sinful act, and it does not solve the problems at hand; instead, it creates more problems for others.
“There is always someone who can offer assistance. Financial stress or other difficulties can be overcome with the right support system in place. Taking one’s life should never be seen as a solution.”
