‘I lost my wife, kids, then herdsmen killed my parents’ – Idoma son, Otache battles pain after losing entire family

A 46-year-old businessman, Emmanuel Otache, has recounted how he lost his pregnant wife and three children in a building collapse in Lagos, and later lost his parents and several relatives in a deadly herdsmen attack in Benue State.

Otache, an indigene of Benue and of Idoma extraction, told our correspondent that the first tragedy occurred on October 12, 2019, at Magodo, Isheri area of Lagos, when a building behind his apartment collapsed into his home.

According to him, he had just returned from a business trip and was resting in the sitting room while his wife fed their children when the incident happened.

“I heard a loud sound like thunder, and everything came crashing down,” he said.

He was pulled from the rubble and remained in a coma for seven months. When he regained consciousness in hospital, he was informed that his pregnant wife and three children had died in the collapse.

Otache said he underwent multiple surgeries due to severe injuries sustained during the incident, including the insertion of a metal rod from his waist to his knees to aid movement.

The businessman said doctors advised that the rod be removed after a few years, but he has been unable to raise the estimated N15 million required for the procedure.

“I live with constant pain and cannot move properly,” he said.

Following the incident, Otache said he relocated to his hometown in Benue State. However, in April 2023, tragedy struck again when suspected herdsmen attacked his community, killing 95 people.

He said the victims included his father, mother, some siblings, and other relatives.

“They were shooting and burning houses for hours. I was hidden in a kitchen and covered with a tarpaulin. When security personnel arrived, they thought I was dead,” he said.

Otache added that he was later rescued and taken to hospital after it was discovered he was still alive.

He further disclosed that another attack in 2025 destroyed what remained of his family home.

The survivor, who currently resides in Ikorodu, Lagos, said he is unable to work due to his medical condition and depends on the support of a friend and occasional assistance from neighbours.

He appealed to the government, organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to assist him in raising funds for the removal of the metal rod and to help him restart his phone accessories business.

“I have lost everything. I just need help to live a normal life again,” he said.