French tourist found dead in hotel room in Benue

Tragedy struck in Gboko town, Benue State, as a 67-year-old French tourist, Mr. Pietier Gilles, was reportedly found dead in his hotel room over the weekend.

According to reports by counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, Gilles had checked into Hotel Jovina on June 6. However, by the following day, June 7, he reportedly fell ill. Despite efforts by the hotel management to assist him and arrange medical attention, he allegedly declined the offer to be taken to a hospital.

Makama disclosed the incident in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that Gilles was later found dead in his room on Saturday.

“Concerned for his wellbeing, the hotel management contacted a medical practitioner to assess his condition. Sadly, he was confirmed dead shortly after,” the post said

The hotel manager, Mr. Emmanuel Terhide Laha, reported the incident to the “A” Division Police Station in Gboko at about 5:45 p.m. on June 8.

In response, the Divisional Police Officer led a patrol team to the hotel, where photographs of the scene were taken and the body evacuated to the General Hospital in Gboko for preservation and autopsy.

The report said Gilles had reportedly arrived in Nigeria from the Niger Republic on May 19, 2025, traveling on a sports bicycle as part of a long-distance tour across countries.

According to police authorities, an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of death, and relevant diplomatic channels are being engaged to manage the case in line with international protocols.