Tragedy struck at a government facility in Niger State on Monday when a guest reportedly collapsed and died at the Niger Government Lodge in Minna, the state capital.
According to eyewitnesses and lodge staff, the unidentified middle-aged man was said to have checked into the lodge on Sunday evening. Sources said he appeared healthy and did not exhibit any visible signs of illness before the incident occurred.
However, in the early hours of Monday, the guest reportedly slumped in his room and was discovered unconscious by lodge attendants who had gone to deliver breakfast. Despite frantic efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Officials have remained tight-lipped regarding the identity of the deceased, but a senior government source who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that he was a private visitor and not affiliated with the state government.
“The man was a guest at the lodge but not on official government business. We were shocked by the incident. Emergency services were alerted immediately, but sadly, he was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital,” the source said.
The Niger State Police Command has since launched an investigation into the cause of death. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and stated that preliminary findings suggest there was no foul play.
“The deceased was alone in his room. At this point, there is no evidence of violence or criminal activity. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death,” DSP Abiodun said.
Meanwhile, the lodge has resumed operations, but there is an air of unease among staff and guests following the unfortunate occurrence. The state government is yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
This development comes as authorities across the country continue to stress the importance of emergency response readiness in public facilities and lodging centers.
