Residents Shocked by Discovery in Ekeki, Yenagoa
The Ekeki area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was thrown into shock when the decomposed remains of a 45-year-old pastor, Esere Okilo, were discovered in his residence on Jacob Beredugo Street. The discovery on Wednesday marked the end of a 15-month mystery surrounding the pastor’s whereabouts.
Okilo, who hailed from Nembe-Bassambiri, had reportedly been missing since late 2023. The gruesome discovery was made by one of his sisters, who decided to check on his residence. Looking through the window, she found his lifeless body seated on the toilet, dressed only in a singlet.
Community Left Confused by Lack of Odour or Suspicion
Residents of the area expressed confusion over the discovery, with many claiming they had neither noticed a foul odour nor suspected anything unusual.
When FRONTPAGE visited the scene on Thursday, residents were seen in small groups, discussing the shocking discovery. Okilo was described as a private man, known for keeping to himself and focusing on his ministry.
Strained Relationship with Family Members
The late pastor was said to have lived in one of the two flats in the compound, while his elder brother and his wife occupied the other flat. Neighbours revealed that the brothers had a strained relationship and were not on speaking terms.
A resident shared, “The two brothers were not on talking terms as he was reported to always refer to the brother and the wife in uncomplimentary terms.” Another added, “The toilet door was allegedly locked from the inside, which raises questions about how long he had been there.”
Family Had Declared Him Missing Months Ago
Concerns over Okilo’s absence had been raised by his immediate family months prior. According to sources, his family held a meeting to discuss his disappearance but concluded that he might have gone on one of his frequent church programmes.
The pastor’s solitary lifestyle and lack of communication with others may have contributed to the delay in uncovering the tragic incident.
Suspicion of Foul Play
The discovery has raised suspicions among residents and authorities. Operatives from the Ekeki Police Division evacuated the decomposed body and reportedly arrested the elder brother on suspicion of covering up the death.
Adding to the mystery, medical staff from the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa suggested that a substance resembling formalin was sprinkled on the corpse to suppress the smell of decomposition.
A police source revealed, “Medical staff at the Federal Medical Centre said there are signs that a substance like formalin was sprinkled on the corpse to stop the smell.”
This claim could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Police Investigation Underway
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr. Musa Mohammed, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls regarding the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the pastor’s death remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether foul play was involved or if the situation was a tragic case of neglect.
A Community in Mourning
Residents of Jacob Beredugo Street and the wider Ekeki area are grappling with the tragic loss of a man described as a devout pastor and loner. The incident has left many questioning the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly those living alone or estranged from their families.
The shocking discovery underscores the importance of community vigilance and the need for timely interventions in cases of prolonged absence or unusual circumstances. As investigations continue, the Ekeki community mourns the untimely and mysterious demise of Pastor Esere Okilo.
