Decomposed Body Of Missing Pastor Found In Bayelsa Home After 15 Months
The decomposed remains of Esere Okilo, a 45-year-old pastor, were discovered in his residence on Jacob Beredugo Street, Ekeki, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, 15 months after he was reported missing.
Okilo, who hailed from Nembe-Bassambiri, had been missing for over a year until his body was discovered on Wednesday by his sister.
She reportedly visited the residence because she needed accommodation. Upon looking through a window, she saw his skeleton seated on the toilet, dressed in a singlet.
The discovery left the neighborhood in shock, with residents expressing disbelief.
Many claimed they had not noticed any foul smell from the apartment during the time he was missing.
Groups of neighbours gathered on Thursday to discuss the revelation, describing Okilo as a devout man of God who lived a quiet life and largely kept to himself.
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Okilo lived in one of the two flats in the compound, while his elder brother and the brother’s wife occupied the other.
Neighbours disclosed that the siblings were not on speaking terms.
The circumstances surrounding Okilo’s death deepened in mystery when it was revealed that the toilet door where his remains were found had been locked from the inside.
Although his family had expressed concerns about his disappearance, some members believed he had embarked on one of his routine church pilgrimages, leading to delayed follow-up on his whereabouts.
One neighbor revealed that police officers from the Ekeki Police Division, who were called to evacuate the remains, arrested Okilo’s elder brother on suspicion of concealing his death.
A police source further disclosed that medical workers at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa suspected that formalin had been sprinkled on the corpse to suppress any foul odor that would have otherwise emanated from the apartment.
“Medical staff said there were signs that a substance like formalin had been applied to the corpse to prevent the smell,” the source explained.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
