Calabar trader attempts suicide over confiscated N5,000 goods

An unidentified middle-aged trader on Friday attempted to commit suicide by lying in front of the rare tyre of a truck to prevent authorities of the Cross River State Ministry of Environment from confiscating her goods worth N5, 000.

It was learnt that the incident, which happened in front of Oando Filling Station, opposite the back wing of the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, attracted passers-by.


A member of the task force in the ministry had threatened the petty trader over alleged violation of a new trading policy, which barred traders from displaying or erecting shops in opens spaces along major roads.

But the trader, it was learnt, pulled the stunt when her source of livelihood was about to be taken away.

The trader had publicly lamented that she preferred being crushed to death by the truck, than to allow the task force to take her means of livelihood.

Items on the woman’s wares were items like biscuits and drinks.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Mike Eraye, had in the last few weeks warned hawkers and roadside traders to desist from displaying their wares along major roads.

The commissioner had specifically cautioned petty traders to relocate or face the consequences.

However, the woman jumped under the parked truck, which was used by the task force to confiscate goods of erring traders, and started crying.