A 44-year-old man from Adadama community in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Daniel Imo, has appealed to the government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians for assistance after spending 23 years bedridden following a workplace-related accident.
Imo said his ordeal began on October 10, 2003, when he was 21 and working as a delivery van driver for a pharmaceutical company in Onitsha, Anambra State.
According to him, he had travelled to Onitsha after secondary school in search of better opportunities and had worked as a machine operator before undergoing driving training and securing employment as a commercial driver.
He later joined a pharmaceutical company as a delivery van driver.
Imo said his life changed while delivering goods to customers in Fegge, near the River Niger Bridge, when a stray cow allegedly charged at him, knocking him down and causing severe injuries.
He was initially taken to a nearby clinic before being referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, where he was diagnosed with a cervical spinal cord injury.
Imo said doctors requested an initial N75,000 deposit for surgery, but his family was unable to raise the required amount.
He also alleged that funds provided by his employer for his treatment were diverted by a company manager. According to him, the alleged diversion was later discovered after his relatives confronted the company’s management over its absence during his prolonged hospitalisation.
Imo said he eventually returned to his village, where he has remained largely confined to a bed and dependent on others for his daily needs.
He said he has little or no sensation from the neck downward and requires assistance with feeding, medication, movement and other basic activities.
Years without adequate physiotherapy, he added, have resulted in stiff joints, recurrent infections and chronic bedsores.
His situation became more complicated in 2014 when communal violence involving Adadama and a neighbouring community forced members of his family to flee.
Imo said his condition made it impossible for his relatives to evacuate him during the crisis, leaving him behind in the community.
He said a distress message he posted on Facebook eventually attracted the attention of a Nigerian resident in the United Kingdom, who helped arrange his evacuation.
Despite efforts over the years to raise funds for advanced treatment, including possible surgery abroad, Imo said the required support did not materialise.
“At this stage, I am no longer thinking about treatment because my condition has become medically complicated. What I need now is support for feeding, medications and other daily needs,” he said.
His mother, Mrs Justina Imo, said she has not seen her son since 2014, when the communal conflict forced the family to flee.
She said Daniel’s condition made his evacuation impossible and that the prolonged separation and worry over his wellbeing had taken a serious toll on her health.
Appealing for assistance, Mrs Imo urged the Federal Government, Cross River State Government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and compassionate Nigerians to support her son.
“My son has spent 23 years on the sickbed. His future was cut short by this unfortunate incident. I appeal to the government and kind-hearted Nigerians to come to his aid,” she pleaded.
She added that even if a full recovery is no longer possible, Daniel deserves access to proper care and the means to live with dignity.
Members of the public who wish to assist Daniel Imo can reach him on 07031655209.
Support Account:
Account Name: Daniel Imo
Bank: United Bank for Africa (UBA)
Account Number: 2072008766
The family is appealing for assistance with food, medication, caregiving, medical needs and other essential support.
