The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the sudden and unnatural death of a French tourist, identified as Pietier Gilles, in a hotel room located in Gboko, Benue State.
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According to reports by PUNCH Metro, the incident occurred on Saturday, June 8, at Hotel Jovina, where the deceased had lodged just two days prior. Police said the tourist became ill on Friday but declined medical treatment, even after hotel staff advised him to seek help.
The command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, confirmed that the victim's death was classified as a case of "Sudden and Unnatural Death" (SUD). “When the police got the call, we immediately arrived at the scene, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” Edet stated.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jalingo for a detailed investigation.
Hotel manager Amina Cordial, when contacted, said she had been away during the incident but noted that the hotel owner was handling all necessary procedures. She declined to provide the owner's contact information.
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Initial reports suggest that the tourist refused all offers to be taken to the hospital despite showing signs of severe illness. The situation only escalated after he was found unresponsive by hotel staff.
This incident echoes a similar tragedy reported in November 2024, when an American returnee was found lifeless in a hotel room in Sagamu, Ogun State.
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Authorities have urged tourists and hotel management to prioritize health concerns and respond promptly to emergencies. Meanwhile, investigations into the exact cause of death are ongoing, with the police expected to release further updates as findings emerge.
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Benue news
Crime Investigation
Foreign nationals in Nigeria
Hotel deaths
Metro
Nigerian Police
Tourist incident