The Amakpu Okuku community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State was thrown into mourning on Friday morning after a middle-aged man, identified simply as Odomma, reportedly took his own life. The father of four, who earned a living selling water in jerry cans and buckets, was found hanging in an uncompleted building close to his residence.
Residents said the deceased had been struggling with financial difficulties that made it difficult to provide for his family. His frustrations reportedly worsened when his wife and children allegedly stopped giving him food because he could no longer meet their needs. Community members revealed that Odomma had expressed suicidal thoughts three months earlier, lamenting his inability to cope with hardship.
A resident, Ikenna, recalled how the deceased had confided in friends about his struggles. “He said if the situation continued, he would take his life to end the misery. We advised him to report the matter to the village head for settlement. Sadly, he chose this path. Just see how this man ended his life because of money. He could have sold his GP tank or generator to get food, but he decided to take his life. Now others will gather to eat and he won’t be part of it,” he said.
Eyewitnesses said a crowd gathered at the scene after news of his death spread, with many rushing to the uncompleted building to catch a glimpse of the lifeless body, while others recorded the incident on their phones. Residents described Odomma as a hardworking man who was widely patronised in the community for his water business, with prices ranging from ₦100 upwards, but noted he had appeared visibly depressed in recent months.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Imo State, Henry Okoye, said he was yet to confirm the incident with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Owerri West. “Please give me some minutes to call and confirm from the DPO of Owerri West Local Government Area. I will get back to you shortly,” he told reporters. However, further attempts to reach him were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable at press time.
