For 23 years, Daniel Imo has remained confined to a bed, unable to move or feel most parts of his body after a workplace accident changed the course of his life at the age of 21.

Now 44, the indigene of Adadama community in Abi Local Council of Cross River State is appealing to the Federal and Cross River State governments, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians for assistance.

Imo said his ordeal began on October 10, 2003, when he was working as a delivery van driver for a pharmaceutical company in Onitsha, Anambra State.

He had travelled to Onitsha after completing his secondary education in 2000 in search of better opportunities.

He initially worked as a machine operator in a plastics company, saved enough money to attend a driving school and eventually secured employment as a commercial driver.

He later joined the pharmaceutical company as a delivery van driver.

According to him, his life changed while delivering goods to customers in Fegge, near the River Niger Bridge, when a stray cow suddenly charged at him, knocking him down and leaving him with severe injuries.

Imo was initially taken to a nearby clinic before he was referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, where medical examinations revealed that he had suffered a cervical spinal cord injury.

He said doctors requested an initial deposit of N75,000 for surgery, but his family was unable to raise the money.

Imo also alleged that money released by his employer for his treatment was diverted by a company manager.

Daniel Imo can be reached on 07031655209. Assistance can also be made through: Account Name: Daniel Imo: Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), while Account Number is: 2072008766.

He said the alleged diversion was later uncovered by the company’s director after his relatives confronted the management over its absence during his prolonged hospitalisation.

He said he had no further contact with the company after leaving the hospital and was unaware whether it was still operating.

Eventually, Imo was taken back to his village, where he remained bedridden.

Another tragedy struck in 2014 when communal violence between Adadama and a neighbouring community in Ebonyi State forced his family to flee.

Because of his condition, his relatives could not carry him through the bush as they escaped the violence.

Imo said he was locked inside the house and left behind until a distress message he posted on Facebook attracted the attention of a Nigerian living in the United Kingdom, who subsequently arranged for his evacuation from the community.

Since then, Imo has continued to depend entirely on others for virtually every aspect of his daily life.

He said he has no sensation from the neck downward and relies on caregivers to turn him on the bed, feed him and attend to his other needs.

Years without adequate physiotherapy, he added, have left most of his joints stiff, while recurrent infections and chronic bedsores have further complicated his condition.

Attempts to raise funds for advanced treatment, including possible surgery abroad, were unsuccessful.

“At this stage, I am no longer thinking about treatment because my condition has become medically complicated. What I need now is support for feeding, medications and other daily needs,” he said.

For Daniel’s mother, Mrs Justina Imo, the situation has been equally devastating.

She said she had not seen her son since 2014, when the communal conflict forced her and other family members to flee for their lives.

According to her, Daniel’s condition made it impossible for the family to evacuate him with them.

Mrs Imo said the pain of being separated from her son and watching his condition deteriorate over the years had taken a heavy toll on her physical and emotional wellbeing.

She disclosed that she developed high blood pressure as a result of constant worry and emotional distress.

Describing her son’s situation as heartbreaking, she appealed to the Federal Government, the Cross River State Government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and compassionate Nigerians to come to his aid.

“My son has spent 23 years on the sickbed. His future was cut short by this unfortunate incident. I appeal to the government and kind-hearted Nigerians to come to his aid.

“Even if he cannot fully recover, he deserves a better quality of life and the support to live with dignity,” she pleaded.

Daniel Imo can be reached on 07031655209. Assistance can also be made through: Account Name: Daniel Imo: Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), while

Account Number is: 2072008766.