By Oginyi Ruth
A 37-year-old man identified as Chinedu Nweze has reportedly set himself ablaze few hours after lamenting of hardship to some neighbours.
WARRI TODAY learnt that the incident took place on Sunday evening around Kpirikpiri in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Nweze, who hails from Umuoghara in Ezza North Local Government Area of the state, was said to have complained bitterly to some neighbours about life’s difficulties only to be seen some hours later in flame around the neighbourhood.
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It was further gathered that victim had reportedly sneaked into a classroom block at St. Patrick’s Primary School opposite St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Kpirikpiri Abakaliki where he committed the crime.
He was said to have tied his legs with a rope before setting himself on fire.
Nweze, who was armed with a gallon containing a petroleum product and matches box, was later rescued by sympathizers who rushed to scene of the incident after some residents raised the alarm.
It was gathered that the young man decided to set himself ablaze out of frustration and difficulties of life.
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Witnesses told WARRI TODAY that the fire was put off after he had sustained severe degrees of burns all over his body.
It learnt that sand and water were used by the sympathizers to put off the blazing fire which was claimed to have burned most vital parts of his body including his legs, hands and private part.
Nweze, who was wriggling in pains, was immediately rushed to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Sources claimed that policemen from Kpirikpiri Division joined residents of the area to rush him to hospital.
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“Nweze hails from Umuoghara in Ezza North local government area of the state. Few hours before the incident, he lamented before residents of the area about his frustration and joblessness to some neighbours in the area. He told the neighbours that he was tired of life.
“His parents are late and none of his relatives live within the area. His predicament became critical when he started behaving as someone who has mental illness. It’s very surprising to see himself ablaze”, a neighbor said.
However, Nweze is being treated of burns under police care and protection at the hospital.
Although, the police sources confirmed the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Command is yet to officially respond to enquiries on the development.
