A town crier, Chief Samuel Harrison Nyoho, 55, from Ukwa Village, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has died after reportedly drinking a 50cl of squadron dry gin. Nyoho, it was gathered, exchanged his life with N1,000 following a betting by a man whose name was given as Jimmy, that whoever was able to drain a bottle of the gin with just a gulp would be rewarded with N1,000. Sources said that an argument came up at a popular joint in Ukwa village in Eket of how impossible it was for anyone to finish a 50cl squadron gin in a gulp. Samuel Nyoho, a town crier, sources said indicated interest, as he laid claims to professionalism in consumption of alcoholic drinks.
According to an eye witness, Jimmy brought out a bottle of squadron gin and staked N1, 000 for the town crier if he could finish the squadron gin in just one gulp. According to Daily Independent Reports: The terms and condition of the ill-fated betting was that if the town crier could not finish the 50cl squadron gin in a gulp, he would have to pay for the squadron gin, while Jimmy would take back his N1, 000. The late Nyoho, our correspondent also learnt, finished the 50cl of squadron gin in a gulp, won a thousand naira and returned to his house in Ikot Okpo street and died few hours later. When our correspondent visited the community, there were mixed reactions.
A source who pleaded anonymity described the incidence as very unfortunate, describing the deceased as an easy going man. Another source who also craved anonymity blamed the deceased for sending himself to an untimely grave by succumbing himself to such an ill-fated bet for just N1000 he could not live to enjoy. Our correspondent who visited the deceased family compound, along Ikot Okpo Street, met a dead zone as everywhere was quiet even as family members declined comments on the issue. Meanwhile, Jimmy, the man who made the bet which led to the unfortunate death had gone into hiding as his whereabouts could not be ascertained.