Loveth Sunday, a 27-year-old hairstylist and perfume seller from Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, opens up about the devastating turn her life took after a horrific road accident left her as an amputee and shattered her dreams of marriage.
Just three weeks after her traditional introduction ceremony on March 23, 2019, Loveth’s world came crashing down. On April 12, 2019, while standing by the roadside in front of the Oraifite Police Station on her way to Onitsha to buy items for a sibling, a commercial bus with failed brakes veered off the road and slammed into her and two others. The crash claimed the lives of the two other victims. Loveth survived, but barely.
She was rushed to the hospital by bystanders but faced rejection at the first five facilities before being admitted at the sixth. Loveth spent five days in a coma. When she regained consciousness, doctors delivered the grim news: her left leg was severely damaged and had to be amputated to save her life. Gangrene had set in, and doctors warned that delaying the procedure could allow bacteria to spread to her heart, proving fatal.
Her parents were initially opposed to the amputation, shocked by the sudden tragedy. But after medical explanations and persuasion — including Loveth herself being convinced by the doctor that her survival was paramount — they consented. The family spent over N2.5 million on treatment, starting with a N350,000 deposit. Loveth’s parents, from a humble background, were heartbroken but grateful she survived.
Her fiancé, whom she had dated for two years and with whom wedding plans were underway following the introduction, initially visited her in the hospital. But soon after, he stopped calling and checking on her. When Loveth reached out, he bluntly told her he could no longer continue with the relationship or marry her. The abandonment came while she was still hospitalized, adding emotional trauma to her physical pain.
“I thank God I did not give up or die,” Loveth reflected. “I was expecting him to encourage me… But I encouraged myself by believing in God that things will surely get better.”
Friends were mixed in their support. Some visited, but others, including her best friend, never showed up. The experience revealed the true nature of many relationships in her life.
Loveth, the fifth child and first daughter in a family of eight, had dreams beyond hairstyling. After secondary school, she gained admission to Anambra State University but couldn’t afford it due to financial constraints, leading her to learn the trade. She also recounted eerie premonitions — dreams of the exact accident at the police station and even seeing her own obituary — which she prayed over but didn’t share with anyone.
Today, Loveth uses crutches after issues with a previous prosthesis. She urgently needs a new one, with costs ranging from N850,000 for a basic model to N2.5 million for an advanced silicone version that would allow greater mobility. She also seeks financial support to revive her hairstyling and perfume business, which helps cover medical check-ups, food, and family needs.
The driver responsible for the accident offered no meaningful compensation. His brother visited the hospital with just N50,000 — a fraction of the expenses incurred — and even made insensitive remarks. The family had sold land to bury the two deceased victims, leaving Loveth and her family to bear the brunt alone.
Despite the immense challenges, Loveth remains resilient, dancing in videos that have inspired many online. She has given up on romantic relationships for now but cherishes supportive friends. Her story is one of survival, faith, and quiet strength amid profound loss.
Loveth’s journey highlights the often-overlooked struggles of accident survivors in Nigeria, from inadequate road safety to the emotional toll of abandonment. She continues to hope for a better prosthesis and the means to rebuild her life and business.
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