Residents of Iragon community in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State have been thrown into mourning following the discovery of the lifeless body of a middle-aged man, John Kotin, in a nearby forest under circumstances that remain unclear.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has sparked shock and confusion within the riverine community, as differing accounts continue to trail the cause of his death.
According to eyewitnesses, the body was discovered around noon by a resident who had gone into the forest to fetch firewood. The discovery immediately drew attention, with locals expressing mixed reactions and speculations over what might have happened.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some residents suspected the possibility of suicide, citing the deceased’s recent emotional struggles.
“There are different speculations surrounding his death. Some people believe he may have taken his own life,” the source said.
The eyewitness added that Kotin had reportedly been experiencing emotional distress in recent months following a domestic crisis involving his wife, which was said to have been taken to the Baale’s palace for resolution.
Residents further noted that the deceased had recently exhibited unusual behaviour, including speaking out of context and experiencing memory lapses, raising concerns about his mental wellbeing.
Another resident said Kotin was seen earlier on Tuesday morning when he went out to eat before heading to work.
“He told people he was going to work. He was a palm wine tapper, so no one suspected anything unusual at the time,” the resident said.
However, the leadership of the community has offered a different account, dismissing claims of suicide.
Speaking on the incident, the community leader, Mr. Frances Sedowhe, said the deceased may have died in the course of his occupation.
“John is a palm wine tapper. He went for palm wine tapping, and in the process, he fell from the top of a palm tree and got entangled on the tree. He was later found dead,” Sedowhe stated.
As of the time of filing this report, family members and community leaders were making efforts to retrieve the body from the forest for burial rites.
