A 67-year-old French national, Mr Pietier Gilles, was discovered dead in his hotel room in Gboko, a town in Benue State.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the tourist had checked into Hotel Jovina on June 6 but was found lifeless two days later, on Saturday, June 8.
Police sources revealed that the hotel manager, Mr Emmanuel Terhide Laha, reported the death to the “A” Division Police Station at approximately 5:45 p.m. yesterday.
Laha reportedly told authorities that Mr. Gilles became unwell on June 7. Despite his worsening health, he refused to be hospitalized.
Out of concern, the hotel staff contacted a medical professional to examine him, only to find he had already passed away.
“On receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer led a patrol team to the hotel where photographs of the scene were taken.
“The body was evacuated to the General Hospital in Gboko for preservation and autopsy,” police confirmed.
Gilles had entered Nigeria from Niger Republic on May 19, 2025, as part of what authorities believe was a transnational biking expedition.
Law enforcement officials have opened an investigation and say diplomatic protocols are being followed to manage the matter accordingly.