A middle-aged dry cleaner identified simply as Oke, a native of Delta State, has been found dead inside his rented shop in the Okaka area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in circumstances residents suspect may be suicide.

The incident was discovered on Sunday morning after neighbours reportedly found Oke’s lifeless body inside the shop where he operated his dry-cleaning business.

Oke was said to have lived in the area for some time and was well known to residents and customers who patronised his services.

Some neighbours described him as jovial and friendly, saying his death came as a shock to the community.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there had been no obvious indication that Oke was facing any serious difficulty before his body was discovered.

The resident said the circumstances surrounding the death had left members of the community confused, as there was no immediate explanation for what might have led to the incident.

When our correspondent visited the area on Sunday, residents had gathered around the scene, expressing shock and disbelief over the sudden death.

The body was reportedly found inside the rented shop, which also served as Oke’s place of business.

As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the death remained unclear, while police confirmation of the incident was still being awaited. (Sunday Vanguard)