A man identified as Onoh Chukwuma Richard has reportedly taken his life after he allegedly lost N2.5 million Naira to gambling in Abia State, Nigeria.
The deceased had in a Live broadcast on his Facebook handle on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, said: “Today is my last day on earth! I am going to meet my maker. Thank you Chima Anyaso, Ikukuoma Abia, Kelvin Jombo Onumah, Ekwueme Ohafia, and my friends. My spirit is with you all,” he said as he left comments pouring in.
Unknowingly to his friends, he had consumed an unspecified poisonous substance suspected to be sniper.
After discovering late of consuming the substance, he was said to have been rushed to Madonna Hospital, Umuahia, where he was confirmed dead.
In a WhatsApp chat with one of his friends, as seen by Punch Newspaper, Onoh is seen saying: “The only option is to end my life as I can not live with the shame. His Excellency, Sir, please come to my rescue. I have turned into a gambler because of no job and right now, I am at a point of if I don’t redeem my debt, I might kill myself to pay the debt.
“I used N2,500,000 to place a bet and N1.2m is not my own and if I don’t pay up today, I will be dead by the time you read this message. As I type this message, I am where I want to buy sniper.”
The friend replied: “Tell the people to hold on so you pay small, small. I am out of cash now but I can give something when I have. What is the time frame given to you to repay the loan?” the friend asked.
It was reported that Onoh had allegedly lost N2.5m to betting and could not bear the shame and pressure from those he borrowed money from.
Richard’s action, however, has sparked reactions, especially on social media; as seen in a Facebook user, Ibeako Esther Chisom who wrote: “Onoh Chukwuma Richard, I am heartbroken. I watched the doctors and nurses giving you pressure to see if you could come back but all proved abortive and your pulse dropped as the doctor confirmed you dead right in front of me and other of your friends.
“Onoh Chukwuma Richard, you really cut down the plans God has for you by taking your life by yourself. Sleep on. I am heartbroken.”
A man named Onoh Chukwuma Richard reportedly committed suicide after losing N2.5 million to gambling in Abia State, Nigeria. Before his death, he broadcast a live message on Facebook on December 12, 2023, indicating his intent to end his life and thanking friends and acquaintances. Onoh consumed a poisonous substance suspected to be sniper and was later confirmed dead at Madonna Hospital, Umuahia.
In a WhatsApp conversation with a friend, Onoh expressed his inability to bear the shame and pressure from the debt incurred from his gambling losses. He had used N2.5 million to place a bet, including N1.2 million that did not belong to him. Despite advice from his friend to negotiate the repayment terms, Onoh proceeded with his plans.
His death has sparked reactions, especially on social media, where friends expressed their heartbreak and sorrow over his loss. Richard's actions have drawn attention to the severe consequences of gambling and financial pressure.
