A 67-year-old French national, Mr. Pietier Gilles, has reportedly been found dead at a hotel in Gboko town in Benue State.

Intelligence obtained from Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency media expert, reports that the deceased, believed to be a French tourist, was found dead on Saturday at Hotel Jovina, Gboko, where he had lodged on June 6.

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

Laha informed the police that the tourist fell ill on June 7 but declined to be taken to a hospital. Concerned about his deteriorating condition, the hotel management brought in a medical practitioner to examine him. He was, however, discovered to have died.

“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,” the police said.

Gilles reportedly arrived in Nigeria from Niger Republic on May 19, 2025, traveling on a sports bicycle as part of what is believed to be a long-distance tour.

Police sources said an investigation will be conducted, and all relevant diplomatic channels are being engaged to handle the situation appropriately.