Delta State has been thrown into shock and mourning following the sudden and unexpected death of Chief Shimite Bello Love, the Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Export and Trade Promotion. Her passing occurred in the early hours of Easter Monday, sparking grief across political circles and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Chief Bello, a respected indigene of Ebu Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area, was reported to have died in a hospital, though the specific cause of death remains unknown. Her husband, who was reportedly the first to alert the authorities, is now in police protective custody as investigations begin.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident to journalists. According to Edafe, the husband of the deceased notified the police of her death and is currently in protective custody while investigations are underway.
“Yes, the husband of the deceased is in our protective custody. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the real cause of death,” Edafe stated.
He added that the police would await the outcome of a medical examination or autopsy to determine what may have led to her sudden demise. As of the time of reporting, there has been no official confirmation of any foul play.
The move to place the husband in protective custody is a standard procedure when sudden or unexplained deaths occur, especially in cases involving prominent individuals. The authorities have emphasized that this does not mean he is a suspect, but part of the effort to ensure that all angles are considered in the investigation.
Despite the public interest in the case, the Delta State Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the death of Chief Shimite Bello Love. This silence has led to increased speculation among the public and within government circles.
The late adviser held a strategic position in the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, responsible for driving the state’s agenda in export and trade promotion. Her sudden passing is seen as a major loss to the state, especially at a time when economic diversification and trade partnerships are key priorities for the government.
In Asaba, the Delta State capital, news of her death spread quickly, with many describing it as tragic and unexpected. Friends, colleagues, and political allies have continued to send condolences to her family and the state government.
Given the prominence of the deceased, and the mystery surrounding her sudden passing, there have been calls from different quarters for the police to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation.
Some civil society groups have urged the Delta State Government to work closely with security agencies to ensure the public is kept informed, and that no foul play is overlooked.
In Nigeria, cases of sudden death among public officials often generate suspicion, especially when there is a delay in public communication. Experts say this can be addressed by timely medical reports and transparent briefings from the police and government.
As the investigation continues, the public is eagerly awaiting updates from both the Delta State Government and the police. The fate of the husband remains uncertain, though the police have clarified that he is being kept in protective custody rather than under arrest.
So far, there is no indication of any known health issues that might have contributed to Chief Bello’s death, which adds to the mystery surrounding the incident.
Many in the state and beyond are hoping for a swift resolution to the matter and a proper closure for the family, friends, and colleagues left behind.
Tributes have begun to pour in from political figures, civil society, and trade associations that worked closely with the late adviser. Many described her as hardworking, passionate, and committed to seeing Delta State thrive economically.
“It is very painful,” said one of her former colleagues in the governor’s office. “She was not just a co-worker, she was a friend and a sister. Always full of life, always looking for ways to solve problems.”
