The Punch reports that there was brief panic in Owerri, when a man, identified as Chidozie Anyanwu, laid in the middle of the road, awaiting oncoming vehicles to crush him to death, on Monday, October 3. Residents around MCC/Uratta Road, Owerri, the Imo State capital were stunned, as Anyanwu laid in the middle of the road, awaiting oncoming vehicles to crush him to death. Anyanwu, an indigene of the state, said he was ready to die if the standard of living in the state and country does not improve.
He, however, refused to leave the road despite entreaties that he could be crushed to death by vehicles, but motorists, including tricycle riders, plying the road were seen carefully avoiding him. Speaking on why he made such a drastic move, the father of three said it was difficult for him to feed his family due to the harsh economy. Anyanwu said:
“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. My mother died recently and was put in the mortuary. She is yet to be buried due to lack of funds. My children eat only once in a day, so I just want to die,” he added.
Meanwhile, Anyanwu was reported to have left the road after some concerned residents persuaded him.