Tarkwa Bay tragedy: Young man found dead, body removed before family’s arrival

Tension is mounting in Tarkwa Bay, Lagos, following the mysterious death of a young man, Sonayon Johnde, whose body was discovered by local residents in the early hours of Sunday, April 21, 2024. His remains were reportedly removed by unidentified uniformed men before his family could reach the scene.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the quiet island community, where locals say unexplained deaths and military activities have become an uncomfortable norm. Though the young man was seen in good condition the previous day, residents awoke to the grim discovery near the shoreline—only for the body to be taken away in what many describe as a covert and troubling operation.

Eyewitnesses claim that the individuals who carried out the removal were dressed in military-style uniforms and arrived swiftly, taking possession of the body without identifying themselves or offering any explanation. No ambulance or official vehicle was involved, and no forensic team appeared on-site, fueling speculation that the act may have been part of a broader effort to silence or conceal.

“It happened too quickly. We saw the body, and the next thing, it was gone,” said a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity. “People are afraid to talk here. You never know who’s listening.”

Tarkwa Bay, a coastal island once cherished for its serenity and natural beauty, has grown increasingly tense over the past few years. Residents describe a community under quiet surveillance, with regular patrols and restricted access, especially in areas near oil pipelines and storage infrastructure.

Community members fear that the death of Sonayon may be linked to what he knew or witnessed—though, without a body, documentation, or an official inquiry, such questions remain unanswered.

As of this report, no official statement has been issued by the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Lagos State authorities. The silence has intensified public suspicion and deepened the family’s grief. Without a body to bury or a cause of death to understand, the Johnde family remains in anguish, unable to begin the mourning process.

“This is not just about one young man,” said a Lagos-based human rights advocate. “This is about a dangerous culture of silence and impunity. If security forces are involved, then who do the people turn to for justice?”

Legal analysts argue that the manner in which the body was handled—without documentation, coroner involvement, or family notification—violates national procedures and raises serious constitutional concerns.

Several past incidents in Tarkwa Bay have followed a similar pattern: sudden deaths, military presence, no public explanation. Locals say these occurrences are rarely investigated, and those affected are often left without recourse.

For the Johnde family, the silence is deafening. “We want to know what happened to our son,” a relative told reporters. “We want his body back. We want answers.”

As questions remain and accountability is absent, the tragedy of SonayonJohnde serves as a painful reminder of the growing fear and uncertainty that shrouds Tarkwa Bay—a place where the truth often disappears as swiftly as the tide.