A physically-challenged man, whose identity remains unknown, died on Tuesday while begging for alms at Cherubim Junction along Wethedral Road in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Eyewitnesses said the man, a familiar figure at the junction, was initially mistaken for someone sleeping. It wasn’t until hours later that passers-by noticed his motionless body and raised alarm.
“After the prolonged sleep, passers-by noticed he was motionless with his eyes in an awkward position and tried to revive him to no avail,” one witness told our correspondent.
The incident drew attention to the slow response from authorities. According to reports, health officials from the Imo State Ministry of Health were contacted but allegedly demanded ₦100,000 before removing the body. Shop owners and residents around the area reportedly contributed the amount to facilitate the evacuation so business could resume.
Owerri-based comedian Ogechi Duruji, popularly known as MC Duke, shared the news on Facebook:
“I learnt the beggar at the Cherubim Junction died this morning. And passers-by thought he was sleeping till this evening. Health ministry people were called to carry him, they demanded ₦100,000 before removing his remains… I also learnt he had a huge amount of money with him too and an account in a bank. His crutches are there now. Nothing lasts forever. May his soul rest in peace.”
The deceased was said to have begged at the same location for years, becoming a familiar presence to commuters and traders in the area.
Efforts to reach the Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, for official confirmation were unsuccessful as calls to his line went unanswered.
The incident has sparked conversations about the treatment of vulnerable individuals and the need for more responsive public health and emergency services in the state.
