Merchant of deaths: Controversy, tension as Igbo businessman builds mortuary in residential area in Idoma community

There is currently palpable fear among residents of Ipole Owukpa following the erection of a mortuary in close to residential area in Benue State.

The new mortuary was built at Ai-Eyi, Ai-Aroga, Ai-Uji in Ipole Owukpa community, Owucity reports.

It was gathered that the owner, identified as is Chinedu Ugwu, allegedly has a mortuary in Adoka community and decided to expand the branch of the morgue to Ipole Owukpa.

The reports claimed that the ‘merchant of death’ purchased the land at the rate of 800,000 from the seller, Mr. Emaikwu Abah, who is an indigene of the community.

However, the youth president, Ipole Owukpa, Mr. Ochube Jacob, at the inception led other youths to protest against the odd business house but all efforts to stop them hit the rocks.

The youths had pleaded with Chinedu to build hospital instead of mortuary, nut he objected.

“We have no Standard hospital in Ipole,” said Mr. Thank God Onyeke who lived directly opposite the said would-be mortuary.

It was reported that the businessman allegedly paid a certain amount to members of the community to give him a nod.

However, when the youth of the community heard about that, they raised the alarm and it reached to the Ipole Owukpa Community Development Association IOCDA (the highest decision makers of the Ipole Owukpa).

Consequently, Chief of Ogbadibo traditional rulers, Chief Odeh and all Owukpa traditional rulers also condemned building of mortuary at the said area in Ipole Owukpa community.

Chief Odeh ensured the N70,000 naira bribe given to the some elders was refunded.

He was quoted as saying, “How could I buy a piece land in the village at the rate of 800,000? Chimooo, land na cocaine?

“I have a written agreement with the seller of the land that, building of mortuary is the plan. We agreed and wrote the agreement. Oh! I’m finished. I built the mortuary within two weeks and all my money was invested on the building. Oh! I’m finished,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, despite the warning, Chinedu is set to commence his business as he has obtained a legal backing from Makurdi.