Tragic Death Of A Nigerian Woman In Her Apartment In The USA Stirs Discussion On Isolation.

By Caroline Ameh

Uju Onyeyilli, a Nigerian woman residing in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, passed away in her apartment, with her remains discovered a week after her demise, raising questions about the isolation of some Nigerians living in the United States.

Onyeyili,  identified as a digital creator on her Facebook profile, was found lifeless in her apartment after neighbours reported a foul smell emanating from her unit. According to her Facebook profile, she was once married, but no information is available about her husband or children, if any.

Two weeks prior to her unfortunate death, Onyeyili was involved in an accident, abandoning her vehicle at the scene. It is suspected that she had been nursing her injuries alone in her apartment until her passing.

Concerned neighbours alerted the police after noticing the noxious odour and realizing they had not seen her for a week. Upon investigation, the authorities discovered her decomposing body.

Sadly, no immediate family members could be reached in the US, leading the police to share her photo online and request family members to claim her remains. Eventually, her body was taken by the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (Olumba Olumba Olumba), her religious sect, for burial in the US.

The circumstances of Onyeyili’s death have ignited a discussion on the lives of some Nigerians who move to the US and lead isolated existences. Many have pointed out that her situation might have been different had she received care and support from someone.