Residents of Jacob Beredugo Street in the Osiri area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, were left in shock on Wednesday night after the skeletal remains of 45-year-old preacher, Esere Okilo, were discovered in his residence. The chilling discovery was made 15 months after Okilo had been declared missing by his family.
The deceased, known for his solitary lifestyle and devotion as a man of God, hailed from Nembe-Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government Area. His skeletal remains were found sitting on a toilet in his flat, wearing only a singlet. The unsettling discovery was made by one of his female relatives who, while dealing with accommodation issues, decided to visit his residence and peered through a window.
A Shocking Revelation
The incident has raised questions among neighbors, many of whom claimed they neither noticed his absence nor perceived any foul odor from a decomposing body. The preacher lived in a two-flat compound, sharing the space with his elder brother and his brother’s wife. Reports indicate the siblings were estranged, with Okilo allegedly accusing them of being “bewitched.”
One neighbor, speaking to Hobnob News, said, “The two brothers were not on speaking terms. He often referred to his brother and his wife as bewitched.”
Okilo’s disappearance had initially been discussed during a family meeting months earlier, where concerns were raised about his whereabouts. However, some relatives dismissed the worry, assuming he was on one of his usual church pilgrimages.
Police Investigation and Suspicion of Foul Play
The discovery prompted immediate police action. Officers from the Ekeki division of the Bayelsa Police Command arrived at the scene to evacuate the remains. They also arrested the deceased’s elder brother, suspecting a potential cover-up of the death.
A police source disclosed that a preliminary investigation suggested signs of tampering with the body to mask decomposition. Workers at the Federal Medical Center morgue reported traces of formalin, a chemical commonly used for preservation, had been sprinkled on the remains to suppress any odor.
Community in Disarray
The revelation has left the community in disbelief. Neighbors and residents are struggling to reconcile the timeline of events with the lack of noticeable signs of decay or odor.
“It’s disturbing,” a resident shared. “For a body to remain in a residence for 15 months without anyone knowing is unimaginable.”
A Call for Answers
The circumstances surrounding Okilo’s death and the apparent concealment of his remains have left many unanswered questions. The police investigation is ongoing, and family members have been urged to cooperate fully to unravel the mystery.
Meanwhile, the incident has drawn attention to the need for stronger community vigilance and more proactive engagement among neighbors and family members to prevent similar occurrences.
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