Fatshimetrie is a poignant tale that highlights a human tragedy that occurred near the Kontagora-Zuru Road bridge. An elderly man, estimated to be around 70 years old, was discovered in tragic circumstances that suggest a heartbreaking end. Testimonies converge on a terrible assumption: the man, named Buba, succumbed to starvation.
Originally from Bangi, in the Magama region, Buba was known to locals for his regular presence at crossroads in the region, holding out his hand to beg for alms. His gaunt figure and resigned look were familiar to passers-by and motorists who crossed his path. On August 14, 2024, at around 8:30 a.m., his inert presence near the Kwanar-Zuru bridge alerted the authorities. Upon arrival at the scene, the police found no signs of violence on Buba’s body, reinforcing the hypothesis that he disappeared due to malnutrition or health problems related to his precarious situation.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed these sad discoveries and reported on the steps taken to ensure adequate care. Local social services have been called upon to provide appropriate assistance in this case. Buba’s body has been transferred to the Kontagora General Hospital for in-depth examinations to determine with certainty the causes of his death.
Despite his condition, Buba deserves dignity in death. Funeral procedures will be implemented respectfully as soon as the investigations are completed. His memory, marked by suffering and precariousness, must serve as a bitter reminder of the reality of poverty and the need to act to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Fatshimetrie strives to give voice to the forgotten, to those who fight in the shadows for their survival. In a world in perpetual evolution, it is essential not to let the most vulnerable be swallowed up by indifference and injustice. Buba’s story, too similar to that of many others left behind, must challenge us and push us to act collectively to build a more just and inclusive society.