A hawker, Ekuma Jeremiah, who sells bottled water in Ajah area of Lagos state, has explained why he gave out money to some inmates stuck in traffic.
During the week, the now-viral video wherein Jeremiah could be seen giving money to some inmates inside a van of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) surfaced online emerged.
In the seven-second video, the hawker is seen carrying a crate of bottled water on his head while giving out some of the money he had made.
His gesture earned a widespread commendation from many Nigerians who applauded him for his love and generosity.
The hawker has received donations of over N300,000 as of Saturday with many applauding his generosity despite his condition.
In an interview obtained by The Nation, Jeremiah said he was motivated by pity to give the inmates money.
“I was not inspired by anyone. I gave the inmates money out of pity. I didn’t do that because I’ve been to a police station… since I was born, I have not been detained in a police station.
“Though I am very poor and sell bottled water, I still have my freedom, I can eat whatever I want to eat and go anywhere I want to go, but the prisoners do not have that freedom.
“They are being denied of many things. They cannot make a choice of what to eat, they take whatever is given to them. Sometimes when they crave to sleep, they would be denied but I can sleep whenever I’m tired.
“So, immediately I saw them, I was touched. I gave the first person N100 then others started begging me for help, so I decided to also give them. Basically, it was due to pity.”
