Shock, disbelief at hometown, Illah

Family members and locals were in great shock and disbelief when news of the passage was broken at his small town of Illah in Oshimili North Local Council of Delta State.

Like the proverbial goldfish without a hiding place, everybody at sleepy town seems to know the famous footballer. Like tour guides, the indigenes readily gave direction to his residence located in the Ukpologu neighbourhood when The Guardian visited yesterday.

All was quiet at the abode, situated just behind that of his father who passed on some years back. Both homes were under lock and key. There was no hint of a security guard at his own fenced personal house, an upstairs, while the doors and windows of his father’s house were all shut.

Illah wore a sad look and the death of Keshi, the second in a family of two males, including Sylvester, his elder brother and three females; was the talk of town, especially among family members who wore long faces and were heard discussing the tragedy in low tones.

A family member, Ogbueshi Azuka Madaka, said he felt so bad, describing the deceased coach as a “nice man” who left the village at a tender age for Lagos where he was raised, adding that he saw him last year during the burial of his wife in Benin City, Edo State.Madaka said that he was not aware that the legendary footballer was sick.

The traditional ruler, Obi Akazue Gbemudu II, the Ogbeleani of Illah, said the news of the death came as a surprise and rude shock to the entire community.

The monarch’s Personal Assistant, Joseph Uzoma Nwabueze, who spoke on his behalf said: “We could not believe it because we never heard that he was sick anytime but just to suddenly hear this morning that Keshi is no more.

“It is unfortunate and very painful that such a young man can die in his prime when the people and the community were looking up to him to impact them and attract development to the community.

“We cannot query God who decided to take him now, but it is a great loss to Illah, Delta State, Nigeria and the world.”Also speaking, the acting Head of Ukpologu Village, Ogugua Enwemaya, said his people were still grieved.

On her part, Mrs. Christiana Madaka, a wife in the extended Keshi family, said death was cruel, adding that he should have lived to bring development to Illah.