An elderly man identified as Odomma from Amakpu Okuku in Owerri West local government area of Imo State has committed suicide over hardship and inability to feed.
Odomma’s lifeless body was discovered by his kinsmen on Friday morning as people were leaving their homes for work.
The deceased was reported to have three months ago, threatened to commit suicide over alleged refusal of his wife and children to give him food.
Until his death, Odomma was a water merchant who sold water to residents in the community.
A village source said Odomma had complained about hardship and his inability to make ends meet which made his wife refuse to give him food over his inability to provide for the family.
This made him to threaten that he would take his life to end the misery.
The source, Emeka, said the men within hearing distance had reprimanded him for 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 the deceased was their main source of water supply.
“Just see how this man just ended his life because of money. He could have sold the GP tank or even generator to get money and feed but he just decided to take his own life.
“My question is did he think it was rosy for anyone else because everyone I know is just hanging on and hoping for a better tomorrow.
“Now, he has caused financial pressure on his Umunna (people), who have to raise the 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.
When contacted, Police spokesperson for Imo State, Henry Okoye said he would confirm from the Divisional Police Officer of Owerri West local government area and get back to our correspondent but his phone has been unresponsive since then.
