Physically-Challenged Beggar Dies at Junction in Owerri Road

  • A physically-challenged beggar was found dead on Tuesday at Cherubim Junction in Owerri, sparking public concern and sorrow
  • Passers-by initially mistook the man’s lifeless body for sleep, delaying intervention until it was too late
  • Health officials allegedly demanded ₦100,000 before removing the corpse, prompting local traders to pool funds for the evacuation

A physically-challenged man, whose identity remains unknown, was confirmed dead on Tuesday in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.

The man, known locally for begging at Cherubim Junction along the bustling Wethedral Road, reportedly passed away while soliciting alms.

Tragedy struck on Owerri road as a disabled beggar died at a busy junction, sparking public concern. Photo credit: Legit Nigeria
Source: Original

Eyewitnesses said the man had been lying on the roadside for hours, with many passers-by assuming he was asleep. It was only after an extended period that concerned individuals noticed his motionless body and the unnatural positioning of his eyes, prompting attempts to revive him. These efforts, however, proved unsuccessful.

Health ministry contacted as corpse removal delayed

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Following the discovery, members of the public alerted the Imo State Ministry of Health. According to local sources, shop owners in the vicinity contributed funds to facilitate the removal of the corpse, as health officials allegedly demanded ₦100,000 before taking action. The delay reportedly affected business activities in the area.

Owerri-based comedian Ogechi Duruji, popularly known as MC Duke, shared details of the incident on his Facebook page.

He wrote:

“I learnt the beggar at Cherubim Junction died this morning. And the passersby thought he was sleeping till this evening.

“Health practitioners were called to carry him; they demanded ₦100,000 before removing his remains, or wait for four days. The people around paid the money before his corpse was taken away.

“I also learnt he has a huge amount of money with him too, and a bank account. His crutches are there now lying down. Nothing lasts forever. May his soul rest in peace.”

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Public reaction and police silence

The incident drew a crowd of onlookers, many of whom expressed sorrow and reflected on the brevity of life. Several noted that the deceased had been a familiar figure at the junction for years.

Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Imo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as spokesperson Henry Okoye did not respond to calls.

The death of a physically-challenged beggar at an Owerri road junction has drawn attention to street safety and welfare.
The death of a physically-challenged beggar at an Owerri road junction has drawn attention to street safety and welfare. Photo credit: PoliceNigeria/GettyImages
Source: Facebook

Man shares how female beggar tried to ‘use’ him

Legit.ng earlier reported that a Nigerian man has shared his harrowing encounter with a female beggar whom he met on the road. He shared the story via the X app and it quickly went viral, garnering lots of comments from netizens.

The man, who took to the X app to share his story under the handle @somtodeyforyou, recounted how the beggar had returned his money months after he had given it to her.

He was shocked and confused by her behaviour when she ran up to him on the road months later, and she eventually confessed that she had used the money he gave her for ritual purposes. The beggar said she had been searching for him everywhere, looking for a way to return the money and possibly undo the perceived harm.

Source: Legit.ng



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