An Imo State resident whose picture is making rounds online and on social after he laid on the road for cars to crush him saying that he is ready to die if the standard of living in the state does not improve.
The man pictured lying on the road as he attempts suicide
There was confusion on MCC/Uratta Road in Owerri, the Imo state capital on Monday, when a resident identified as Chidozie Anyanwu, was seen lying on the ground saying he is ready to die if the standard of living in the state does not improve, and refused to leave the road despite entreaties that he could be crushed to death by vehicles.
According to
Punch Metro, Chidozie, who was carefully avoided by motorists, including tricycle riders, plying the road, told a correspondent that his mother died recently and was put in the mortuary, adding that she had yet to be buried due to lack of funds.
The man who is married with three children, also disclosed that it was difficult for him to feed his family due to the harsh economy.
“My wife is a civil servant and her salary does not come as and when due. And when it comes, the bank collects all and still debits her account because of a loan she took. The provision shop she opened with the loan is not growing because Imo people don’t have money. People, who used to patronise the shop, are no longer coming and when she calls them, they always say there is no money,” he said.
He said since the last three months, nobody had patronised his shop, adding that his children ate only once in a day. He later left the road after some residents prevailed on him not to kill himself.