Standing tall at over six feet with a bulky build that betrayed his years as a Two-Star Traffic Warden police officer, Sunday Ogwo Okpalle, now slightly bent, demonstrated the toll of aging and the absence of his once ramrod-straight gait that accompanied his strides during his years of active duty.
He was first spotted around 7 am on a penultimate Tuesday, tirelessly flagging down every private vehicle, Keke NAPEP, and Achaba. He earnestly informed the occupants that he hadn't eaten since the night before, pleading, "Please help me so that I can find something to eat." Some commuters hurriedly searched their bags and pockets to offer him money, while others simply ignored him, dismissing his plea with remarks like, "Don't mind him, that is how he is always begging every day."
In other instances, Okpalle could be seen by the roadside, extending his hand to receive alms from public-spirited commuters. Arewa PUNCH, intrigued by this "unusual" beggar, approached him, facing initial resistance to an interview: "I'm not ready for that. I'm not here for any talk," he rebuffed.
Persistence paid off as Okpella eventually shared that he resorted to begging due to the skyrocketing cost of living after 35 years of police service. Despite receiving irregular pension payments, life had become challenging for him and his family.
"My name is Sunday. Or should I give you the one in my police file? I am Sunday Ogwo Okpella from Benue State in Oju Local Government. I entered the police on June 1, 1988," he disclosed. He highlighted delays in receiving his retirement entitlement and the struggle to make ends meet on a meager pension of N31,000.
Reflecting on his active duty, Okpella recalled the satisfaction of earning more: "When I dey work, the work sweet because if I go work at times, I dey see N3000, N4000 before work close, but now, I no dey see again anything again." He explained his reluctance to seek alternative employment at his age.
Okpella further shared details about his family and past work locations as a traffic warden. Despite being advised to relocate closer to his village, he chose to stay in Niger State throughout his 35 years of service to ensure his children's education.
The retired Police Officer, born in 1969, emphasized that there's no significant difference between a traffic warden and a conventional police officer, describing it as the same line of work. He touched on his educational background, having completed Primary 6 before enrolling in the police force.
Okpella's plea to the government became evident. With a brightened gaze, he expressed, "I want people to help me. Here, they don't help people. They don't give you more than N500. Before, I was not begging, but it was after things started getting more difficult as a result of the rising cost of living. I can't feed anymore, even the customers that used to give me credit stopped. I would like the government to pay me my money so that I can find something to do to feed myself and my family."
