The news of the death of Engr. Nick Osaretin Imudia few days ago hit me like a thunderbolt from a ravaging storm in a thick forest.
In such a situation, hailstones are not only the sources of worry but the impending tree branches.
The pains are multi-faceted and at times with perennial scars.
While the family should be allowed to grief peacefully, it is worrying to discerning minds the narrative pushed out about the manner he died.
Certainly, the security agencies are expected to investigate and probably unravel the cause of death.
While awaiting the report of anticipated inquest, I am forced to point searchlight on the viral story about the death.
The social media portal from where conventional news outlets took the news merely relied on conjectures as no credible sources were mentioned.
It was reported that Engr. Nick Osaretin Imudia called his elder brother moments before he died with instructions on the management of his estates. His two elder brothers are well educated.
In fact, the most senior is PhD holder with specialty in Immigration Law. There is no evidence that any of his siblings has spoken to the press.
Secondly, the report said Nick spoke with his daughter, assuring her of protection and guidance even after his death.
How did the online news outlets know that he indeed spoke to his brother and daughter?
It was also posited that Nick’s marriage collapsed after irreconcilable issues. This is a no-brainer. What else can cause divorce other than irreconcilable differences?
The Imudias are followers of Christianity, with uncommon high moral standing. In the community, most parents point to them as benchmark for their children to copy.
With their insatiable desire for formal education, they were able to break the barriers of poverty and deprivation.
The resort to suicide is therefore a very rare option for Nick. Assuming there is a business venture for him that went awry, the closely-knitted family is solvent enough for a rescue.
I agree that depression is not only caused by pecuniary deficiency but other possibilities should be x-rayed.
In my strong opinion, there should not be any hasty conclusion of suicide as the source of death. Though it is likely but not with certainty.
Nick, former CEO Konga, e-commerce giant, had worked his socks off to attain enviable status.
He may not be a regular face to his kindred but he contributed to the development of humanity and community in various forms.
Though we cannot bring him back to this sinful earth, we should at least ensure that the veil surrounding his death is unravelled. This, we owe him.
Agbor lost another promising young man.
Nick, rest in peace!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Williams Eghebi writes from Agbor, Delta State.
