The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has raised an alarm following the discovery of a middle-aged man’s body abandoned in front of Motel Plaza, directly opposite the Press Centre in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Benin City.
The lifeless body was discovered in the early hours of today at No. 1 Sir Gabriel Igbinedion Way. According to a statement released by the Council, there are strong indications that the deceased may have been dumped at the scene under the cover of darkness, as no prior disturbances or incidents were reported in the vicinity during the preceding day.
The presence of the corpse in such a high-traffic, prominent location has sparked immediate concerns regarding public health and environmental safety. In a statement signed by the Council Secretary, Andy Egbon, the NUJ described the situation as “disturbing,” noting that the sight has caused significant distress to journalists, residents, and commuters alike.
The Council emphasised that the proximity of the body to the Press Centre and residential areas poses an unnecessary risk to the community and creates a grim environment for those working in the area.
The NUJ is calling on the Edo State Government, the Oredo Local Government Council, and relevant security agencies to intervene immediately. The Council is demanding the urgent evacuation of the body by environmental health authorities and a thorough police investigation to identify the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
They further urged the government to take swift and decisive action to restore public decency and safety, noting that accountability from security and emergency response services is essential in resolving the situation. As of the time of this report, the body remains at the scene awaiting the arrival of law enforcement and medical responders.
