The beggar, known for soliciting alms at Cherubim Junction along Wethedral Road, was initially thought to be sleeping by passers-by after he was seen lying on the road.
A physically-challenged man, whose identity has yet to be confirmed, died on Tuesday while begging in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The beggar, known for soliciting alms at Cherubim Junction along Wethedral Road, was initially thought to be sleeping by passers-by after he was seen lying on the road. However, when he remained motionless with his eyes in an awkward position, attempts to revive him failed.
Health officials were later contacted to remove the body. Shop owners reportedly contributed money to facilitate the evacuation so business could continue.
Owerri-based comedian Ogechi Duruji, known as MC Duke, wrote on Facebook: “I learnt the beggar at Cherubim Junction died this morning… Health practitioners were called to carry him; they demanded ₦100,000… The people around paid the money before his corpse was taken away.”
Witnesses lamented the brevity of life, noting the man had begged at the spot for years. Police spokesperson Henry Okoye could not be reached for comment.