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Tension Still In Udege-Mbeki As Missing Young Man’s Body Is Found In Paddock Lake

The body of Abdulmalik Adamu Beki, a young man from Udege-Mbeki community in Nasarawa State who had been missing since Sunday night, has been discovered at a popular old lake known as Paddock.

Abdulmalik was declared missing after he reportedly left his friends at a mining site late Sunday night and did not return. His disappearance had sparked concern among residents and fellow youths in the community.

His remains were later found at Paddock, an old lake said to have been excavated over a century ago by a previous mining company. Historically, the lake served as a reservoir and processing point for washing columbite, tin, and other solid minerals explored in the area during early mining operations.

However, the discovery of his body has heightened tension in the community. Some residents, particularly youths, have raised suspicions over the circumstances surrounding his death. They contend that the condition of the body does not suggest drowning, alleging instead that Abdulmalik may have been physically assaulted and killed before his remains were dumped in the lake.

Adding to the suspicion, residents noted that since Monday, individuals described as experienced local divers and searchers had reportedly been combing the Paddock in search of the missing person, but neither his body nor any trace of him was found at the time. They argue that the absence of any discovery during the earlier search efforts raises questions and suggests he may not have drowned there but was possibly dumped later.

Some community members are therefore calling for a thorough autopsy to be conducted before burial in order to ascertain the actual cause of death and put lingering doubts to rest. They insist that only a transparent medical examination can clarify whether the death resulted from drowning or other causes.

As of yesterday, security operatives reportedly deployed by the Administrator of Udege Administrative Area Council were seen at the site of Kenyang Mining Company Ltd to calm the situation and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

At the time of filing this report, tension remains high in Udege-Mbeki, with residents demanding a comprehensive and impartial investigation to ensure justice for Abdulmalik and restore calm in the community. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.