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Missing Pastor's Body Found 15 Months Later in Bayelsa Apartment

Published

Friday, January 24, 2025 at 02:22 PM

Written by Brenda Izu

Missing Pastor's Body Found 15 Months Later in Bayelsa Apartment

The decomposed remains of a 45-year-old pastor, Esere Okilo, were discovered 15 months after his disappearance in his apartment on Jacob Beredugo Street, Ekeki, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The shocking discovery occurred on Wednesday when Okilo’s sister, visiting due to accommodation challenges, peered through a window and saw the pastor’s skeletal remains on the toilet. He was wearing only a singlet.

The sad and shocking development has left neighbours in disbelief, with many claiming they never noticed any foul odour from the apartment throughout the period.

Many residents gathered on Thursday to discuss the incident, describing Okilo as a devout and reserved man of God.

Okilo resided in one of two flats in the compound, while his elder brother and the brother’s wife lived in the other. Neighbours disclosed that the siblings had a strained relationship and were not on speaking terms.

The mystery deepened as his remains were found inside a locked toilet, suggesting no external interference. Although the family had previously raised concerns about his disappearance, some believed he had embarked on a church pilgrimage.

Operatives from the Ekeki Police Division who evacuated the remains reportedly arrested Okilo’s elder brother on suspicion of covering up the death. A police source revealed that medical workers at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, suspected the use of formalin to suppress the smell of decomposition.

“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,” the source told Journalists.

The discovery has raised many unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the pastor’s death and has left the community in shock while Authorities continue their investigation into the case.

In another development, the Ministry of Special Duties (West), Bayelsa State, has called for the urgent removal of wood, sand, gravel, and firewood obstructing the Sagbama-Ekeremor road.

During an unscheduled road inspection from Sagbama to Ekeremor, the Honorable Commissioner for Special Duties (West), Hon. Amb. Michael Magbisa, expressed disappointment over the practice by residents of dumping these materials along the roadside. He specifically called on community leaders, chiefs, CDC chairmen, and youth presidents in Sagbama, Tungbo, Bolou Orua, Angiama, Ebedibiri, Toru-Orua, Angalabiri, Ayamasa, Aleibiri, Isampou, and Ekeremor to ensure the immediate removal of these items.

Hon. Magbisa has issued a deadline of Monday for the removal, stressing that the obstruction poses significant risks to road users, tarnishes the image of the communities, and reflects poorly on the residents. He appealed for swift action, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the cleanup for the safety and aesthetic appeal of the area.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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Missing Pastor's Body Found 15 Months Later in Bayelsa Apartment

The decomposed remains of a 45-year-old pastor, Esere Okilo, were discovered 15 months after his disappearance in his apartment on Jacob Beredugo Street, Ekeki, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The shocking discovery occurred on Wednesday when Okilo’s sister, visiting due to accommodation challenges, peered through a window and saw the pastor’s skeletal remains on the toilet. He was wearing only a singlet.

The sad and shocking development has left neighbours in disbelief, with many claiming they never noticed any foul odour from the apartment throughout the period.

Many residents gathered on Thursday to discuss the incident, describing Okilo as a devout and reserved man of God.

Okilo resided in one of two flats in the compound, while his elder brother and the brother’s wife lived in the other. Neighbours disclosed that the siblings had a strained relationship and were not on speaking terms.

The mystery deepened as his remains were found inside a locked toilet, suggesting no external interference. Although the family had previously raised concerns about his disappearance, some believed he had embarked on a church pilgrimage.

“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,” the source told Journalists.

The discovery has raised many unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the pastor’s death and has left the community in shock while Authorities continue their investigation into the case.

In another development, the Ministry of Special Duties (West), Bayelsa State, has called for the urgent removal of wood, sand, gravel, and firewood obstructing the Sagbama-Ekeremor road.

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