The Benue State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a French tourist, Pietier Gilles, who was found dead in a hotel room in Gboko, Benue State. The police have described the incident as a case of sudden and unnatural death (SUD), raising suspicions of possible foul play.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue State, SP Sewuese Anene (as updated from Udeme Edet), the tourist had checked into Hotel Jovina on Friday, June 6, 2025. He reportedly fell ill the following day but refused to be taken to a clinic or hospital, despite advice from hotel staff.
The situation worsened on Saturday, prompting the hotel to call in a private medical practitioner. However, by the time the doctor arrived, the tourist had already passed away. Hotel staff then contacted the police, who immediately responded to the scene and rushed the man to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
SP Anene stated, “It is a case of sudden and unnatural death. When the police got the call, we immediately arrived at the hotel and rushed him to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead. The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.”
The tourist, identified as Pietier Gilles, was believed to be on a private visit to Benue as part of a tour. While the cause of death remains unknown, the police are working to determine whether there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding it.
A source close to the hotel revealed that Gilles began showing signs of illness shortly after checking in. Despite being advised by hotel staff to seek medical help, he refused, insisting he would be fine. The source said his condition deteriorated quickly, prompting the hotel to seek help.
When contacted for comment, the hotel’s manager, Amina Cordial, said she had been out of town during the incident and only just returned to Gboko. “I don’t have full details because I travelled. But I believe the hotel owner was around and ensured the necessary steps were taken,” she said.
Local residents expressed concern over the incident, noting that such a sudden death of a foreigner could affect the image of the area, especially at a time when Nigeria is seeking to grow its tourism sector. Gboko, located in the heart of Benue State, is known for its cultural richness and hosts several traditional festivals that attract visitors from across the country and beyond.
Benue State has generally been considered peaceful in recent months, although security challenges have been reported in some rural areas due to communal clashes and farmer-herder disputes. The police are treating the case with seriousness, especially given that it involves a foreign national.
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has yet to issue a statement on the incident, but tourism industry stakeholders are expected to call for stricter safety protocols in hotels and improved emergency response for guests, especially foreigners.
As investigations continue, the French Embassy in Nigeria is also expected to be involved in handling the case, particularly in facilitating communication with the deceased’s family and any necessary arrangements for his remains.
Police say they will provide updates once the State CID concludes its preliminary findings.