French Cyclist Found D*ed in Hotel Room in Benue State
A 67-year-old French tourist, Pietier Gilles, was found dead in his hotel room in Gboko, Benue State, Nigerian authorities confirmed on Monday, June 9.
Gilles, who was on a long-distance cycling tour, entered Nigeria from Niger Republic on May 19. He checked into Hotel Jovina in Gboko on Friday and was discovered lifeless in his room the following day, according to reports from the counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.
Emmanuel Laha, the hotel manager, reported the incident to local police on Sunday. Laha said the tourist fell ill on June 7 but refused medical assistance despite his worsening condition. Concerned staff eventually arranged for a medical professional to examine him, but Gilles was pronounced dead upon evaluation.
Benue State Police spokesperson Udeme Edet confirmed the case, revealing that the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the hotel to investigate the scene and remove the body. Photographs were taken, and the remains were taken to Gboko General Hospital for preservation and an autopsy.
Initial reports indicate no signs of foul play, but the police continue their investigation and await autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death. Further updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses.