A 45-year-old lecturer at the Taraba State College of Health Technology, Takum, identified as Samson Philip, 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.

Family sources said 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 the development.

A friend of the deceased, who spoke under condition of anonymity, told PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, ?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.?

He added that the late lecturer might have struggled in silence. ?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.?

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command, James Lanshen, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Metro saying he was aware of the case and was awaiting a detailed report from the Divisional Police Officer in Takum.

?The matter has been reported to us. We are waiting for full details from the DPO in Takum before making an official statement,? Lanshen told our correspondent Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, residents and students have continued to pay tribute to the deceased on social media, describing him as a calm and dedicated academic. (The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)

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