Man, 40, dies after Okpekepe Marathon race

BENIN- CONTROVERSY Tuesday dogged the death of a middle aged man, identified as Victor Adepoju, 40, whose corpse was found by the side of a stream, 48-hours after  last weekend’s Okpekpe Marathon organized by the Edo State government in conjunction with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria(AFN).

Vanguard learnt that the deceased who was alleged to be a staff of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was reportedly  said to be one of the fans of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole decided to compete in the 10km road race as his best way of identifying with him and had N0 515 as his tag.

He did not however return home, as his corpse was found on Monday morning on the bank of a stream.

The circumstances leading to the death of Adepoju’s was unclear press time but sources said he may have collapsed and died from exhaustion after he struggled to have some water to drink from the stream.

His corpse is presently at the Lazarus Hospital in Fugar, Etsako central local council headquarters.

When contacted Tuesday, Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Osifo Omorede said she was not aware of any death arising from the marathon race, explaining that those who sustained injuries were taken to hospital for medical attention.

Edo State Police Command Spokesman, Mr. Moses Eguavoen, however confirmed that Adepoju died after participating in the marathon race.

According to him, “An incident like that happened. He was a contestant in the road race. He was recovered from the water. The parents came and identified the body.

“The parents are asking for the corpse to be buried. The relations are declining investigation. They are not suspecting any foul play. The Police is asking for court affidavit to show that they are not interested in the investigation”




-- Vanguard