Operatives of Bayelsa State Police Command have begun investigation into the discovery of the decomposing body of a mother of three children in a gutter at Akali Street in Yenagoa Local Government.
The body, which was discovered on Sunday morning following an offensive odour, showed that she was strangled and dragged a few kilometres into the gutter.
Residents of Akaili Street identified her as Ese, who hailed from Egbo community in Delta State. She sold cow skin popularly called Kpomo at Opolo market.
Her ex-husband is being suspected of committing the crime. The man is the father of her three children, who many claimed was engaged in domestic squabbles with the deceased even though they were separated last April.
A younger sister of the deceased, Precious, 16, was said to have approached a family member after search that her sister was found inside gutter.
The family member, who preferred anonymity, said: “Precious was asked if her deceased sister had a history of illness, but she said no.”
The former husband, whom they claimed was nowhere to be found and had his mobile phone switched off, has been identified as Collins.
They also alleged that he was the last person who visited the deceased at home and was engaged in a violent quarrel with her.”
Another family member, who pleaded anonymity, claimed that “Collins came to the house while the deceased wasn’t around and went away with the three children, without her consent.
“On December 27 she met him on the road, and forcefully retrieved the children to the house. Thereafter the same day he came to our house in the night and that was the last day I saw my Aunty.
“The following day, he came and we inquired to know where my aunty was since we didn’t see her throughout the night. He (Collins) claimed that the deceased travelled and would be back by Sunday.”
Another family member, however, said: “At first, we thought it was a ritual related death, not until we broke the culvert and brought her out. Our sister was strangled. She left her three children behind. Who is going to care for them?
“She was murdered and thrown inside the gutter. So sad. The prime suspect is Mr. Collins, the father of her three children, because according to information, he visited her the night we started the search for her.”
Police spokesman Musa Mohammed confirmed the development.
He said the police had evacuated the body.
“We have started investigation. But no suspect has been arrested,” he saId.
