TRADERS at Margret Umahi International Market in Ebonyi State were thrown into confusion on Tuesday, following the sudden death of a wheelbarrow pusher in the market.
The wheelbarrow pusher, identified as Eze Ada, slumped at Plot 2, Block 7 of the market, while traders and buyers ran helter skelter, in a bid to vacate the area to avoid police interrogation.
The Point’s correspondent gathered that Eze, who hails from Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, had earlier hired a wheelbarrow, ready to start his usual daily work before he slumped and died.
A relative of the deceased, who identified himself as Ogeh Onwe, said Eze never complained of any health problem at home or inside the vehicle that brought them to the market.
“When we were inside the bus that brought us to town, all of us were discussing lively. After everyone had alighted from the bus, Mr. Eze went to hire a wheelbarrow to start work, but unfortunately, he died before he could start the work,” Onwe, who had gone to the market with Eze on the day he died, said.
Another wheelbarrow pusher, Chukwuemeka Nwegbudu, said, before the incident, there was no sign indicating that the deceased was ill until he suddenly collapsed and died.
“I thank God that Eze did not fight or exchange words aggressively with anyone before the incident. He was not suffering from any serious internal disease I know that resulted in his sudden death,” he noted.
The Chief Security Officer of the market, Okoroafor Chika, explained that immediately he was alerted about the incident, he quickly rushed to the scene to confirm it.
He said, having seen that it was impossible for the man to be saved, he reported the matter at the central police station.
It was further learnt that, following the intervention of the traders and the security officers of the market, the deceased’s family was contacted.
At the time of filing this report, the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue.
