Life Has Not Been The Same, Says Man Who Lost Father, 2 Siblings In Suspected Suya Poisoning In Abia As He Marks Birthday

Okechukwu Victor Chinedu who lost his father, Mr. Sunday Okechukwu Ogba and two siblings, Miss Eberechi Precious Okechukwu and Mr. Chigozirim James Okechukwu in a suspected barbecue, popularly known as suya poisoning in Umueze, Umuakanu community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia last year has said life has never been same since this incident occurred.

Mr. Chinedu, who is marking his birthday today told ABN TV that despite efforts to forge ahead with life, doing away with pains of the loss has seemed difficult.

Speaking with our correspondent on Thursday, the 300L student of Abia State University Uturu expressed gratitude to God for sparing the lives of his mother, Mrs. Ogba and senior sister who also ate from the same suya that allegedly caused the death of his father and siblings.

He told ABN TV that the death of his father who is the breadwinner of the family created a big vacuum, noting that life has been difficult since this incident.

The student of Public Health said he has remained in school on the account of good gesture of individuals and groups who assist to ensure he does not drop out over fees payment.

While expressing gratitude to them, he appealed for assistance to establish a more sustainable means of livelihood, saying he does not wish to depend on stipends from the public for survival.

He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity of another year in life, wishing that pains of yesterday shall be a cornerstone for a lasting future joy.

ABN TV had reported how Mr. Sunday Ogba had bought the popular barbecue last year which turned out to be the last for him.

Apart from losing his life, he lost two children in the ill fated suya and fruit juice.

Also, four children of a family friend, Chibuzor Ikwunze, of Umuagu Ohuhu in Umuahia North who had visited also died from the incident.

Children aged between 3 to 12 were laid to rest last year amidst tears of sorrow and anguish.