By Kelvin Ololo
Residents and motorists plying the Awi axis of Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State have raised concerns over a decomposing body of an unidentified man lying on the highway for four days, warning that the situation poses a serious environmental and public health risk.
The body, suspected to be that of a young man with mental health challenges, was reportedly found on the road near Mark Sino Quarry, where it has remained unattended, leaving commuters and other road users exposed to the stench emanating from the decomposing remains.
A driver familiar with the route, who spoke to CrossRiverWatch, said the deceased was frequently seen sleeping on the highway before his death. According to him, motorists often had to move him away from the road to prevent him from being run over by vehicles.
He alleged that the man would repeatedly return to the highway despite efforts by road users to get him to leave. The driver suspected that a vehicle might have struck him at night, although the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
Other road users who spoke on the development said the deceased was known around the area for sleeping on the highway, sometimes forcing motorists to stop and drive him away from the road.
They expressed concern that the body, which has reportedly become swollen and begun decomposing, is now emitting a foul odor that makes movement along the stretch uncomfortable.
The commuters questioned why the remains had been left on a busy highway for days without intervention from relevant authorities, particularly agencies responsible for environmental sanitation, public health and emergency response.
Beyond the incident in Awi, another road user drew attention to a woman suspected of having mental health challenges who reportedly sits around the pavement between Harbor Junction and SPC Junction in Calabar metropolis.
The observation has renewed concerns about the presence of vulnerable persons with apparent mental health conditions in public spaces across the state, with road users urging the government to move beyond occasional interventions and establish sustainable support and care systems for such individuals.
They called on the Cross River State Ministry of Environment, health authorities, security agencies and other relevant emergency responders to urgently evacuate the body, investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure its proper handling.
The incident also raises questions about the state’s emergency response to unattended deaths and the availability of adequate mental health support for vulnerable residents.
While contacting the Cross River State Police command in the incident, the police Public Relations Officer ASP Sunday Eitokpah told CrossRiverWatch that he will revert once furnished with information about the incident.
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