A tragic incident has shaken the Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as a young Point of Sale (PoS) operator, Utibe Eteffia, reportedly ended his life after falling victim to cyber fraud. Eteffia, in his early 30s, ingested a poisonous substance after losing N2.5 million to scammers commonly referred to as “Yahoo Boys.”
The deceased had hinted at suicidal thoughts in cryptic social media posts prior to the incident. In one post, he shared an image of a lit candle with the caption, “Do you believe in reincarnation?” He also urged his followers to show love and support to those in need.
Eteffia operated his PoS business near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) State Council Secretariat in Uyo. Neighbors revealed he had become withdrawn and visibly distressed in recent days. “Sometimes, he would remain in his house crying,” said Aniefiok Isang, a neighbor and customer.
A week before his death, Eteffia reportedly sought rat poison under the guise of dealing with rodents but later purchased a lethal substance from a local chemist. He traveled to his village in Ini LGA, where he consumed the poison late at night after attending church.
Raised by his aunt following the loss of both parents at a young age, Eteffia struggled financially despite assistance from family and friends to establish his PoS business. Sources claim he was introduced to fraudulent schemes by cybercriminals but was duped during the process, leading to mental distress.
His remains were discovered on the veranda by shocked family members. A relative stated, “We will not bury him now until we know why he took this difficult decision.”
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