Father Of Four Commits Suicide Over Financial Hardship And Family Neglect In Imo

A 50-year-old man identified as Odomma committed suicide on Friday morning in the Amakpu Okuku community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

Odomma, a father of four who earned a living selling water in buckets and jerry cans, had reportedly battled financial hardship for years.

Neighbours said his struggles left him unable to provide for his family, a situation that pushed him into despair.

His body was discovered hanging in an uncompleted building close to his house as residents went about their early morning routines.

Community members revealed that about three months ago, Odomma had threatened to end his life after complaining that his wife and children no longer gave him food since he could not meet the family’s needs.

A villager, who identified himself as Ikenna, told PUNCH that Odomma often spoke openly about his frustrations.

“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,” Ikenna said.

The news of his death drew a large crowd, with many residents rushing to the uncompleted building to see for themselves, with some even recording the scene with their mobile phones.

Locals described Odomma as a hardworking man who sold water for as low as ₦100 but noted that he had appeared withdrawn and depressed in recent months.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said he would reach out to the Divisional Police Officer in Owerri West to confirm the incident.

“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 said.

KanyiDaily also reported how a police inspector, Bassey Asuquo, committed suicide in the early hours of Wednesday in Sarkin-Pawa at Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.