Magboro, Ogun State
Fear grips community over decomposing body. Many businesses and shops in the Makogi Obesere community of Magboro, in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, were closed on Sunday after the decomposing body of an unidentified man was discovered in the area.
When PUNCH Metro visited the village on Monday, our correspondent discovered that, despite locals’ efforts to get the corpse picked up by the appropriate government officials, the stench had prompted several shop owners and residents to flee the area.
While fearing for the safety of the residents, PUNCH Metro learnt that the community leaders in the area had earlier approached the police divisions in Makogi and Ibafo respectively about the matter when the man started sleeping in an open space and looking sick.
Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, the Chairman of Makogi South Community Development Area, Mr Ishola David, while appealing for intervention, feared the environmental health of the community might be in danger as a result of the smell.
He said, “It all started about five days ago when we saw him wandering in the community. It was obvious he looked weak because he could not respond to questions. Some residents started giving him water with the hope that he would regain his strength.
“He began sleeping in the open. We reported the incident to the Makogi Police Division, and someone from the station came out and took some photos. We told them to come and do something about it. Despite the report, nothing has happened about it.”
A cement seller simply identified as Mrs AKintunde whose shop was close to where the body had been lying since Sunday, told PUNCH Metro that she could not open her shop because of the smell emanating from the decomposing corpse.
“I can’t open my shop because of the stench,” she explained. I dialed 112. Someone took it up and said they’d come. They asked for the address. I gave them all the information. But nothing has happened since I made the call last night (Sunday).”
Contacted, the Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mr Ogunsola Olarewaju, could not be reached for a comment. However, a personal assistant to the chairman who did not want his name mentioned, said the chairman would be informed of the incident.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Oduntola, was yet to respond to our correspondent’s inquiry into the matter as of the time this report was filed.