The body of an elderly man named Odomma, a resident of Amakpu Okuku in Owerri West local government area of Imo State, was found in his room by relations yesterday after he constantly threatened to take his life as a result of continued hardship and persistent and inability to get food.
Odomma’s body was discovered by his kinsmen yesterday morning they were preparing to leave for work or farm.
He was said to have threatened suicide over the refusal of his wife and children to give him food.
Before his death, residents went to buy water from him, as he used a power generator to pump water when there was power outage.
A source said Odomma had complained about hardship and his inability to make ends meet, which made his wife to allegedly refuse to give him food because he couldn’t provide for the family, adding that he threatened to take his life to end the misery.
The source, identified as Emeka, said relations had reprimanded him over such thoughts and encouraged him to talk things over with his wife and children who had started earning little money from their menial jobs.
Emeka said the community had been thrown into mourning, especially because he was the main source of water supply for people who didn’t have boreholes.
He said, “See how this man just ended his life because of money. He could have sold the GP tank or generator to get money and feed but he just decided to take his own life.
“ Now, he has caused financial pressure on his Umunna (his people), who have to raise funds for his burial rites. Now he has called a party for others to eat and he won’t be part of it,” Emeka said.
Police spokesman Henry Okoye said he would confirm from the Divisional Police Officer in Owerri West before providing feedback.
