By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Residents of European cemetery,a popular area in Lokoja, kogi state, say they are worried over the sudden disappearance of a mentally challenged middle aged man, simply known as Joe but fondly called “Bouncing bobo” in their mist.
The expressed the feeling in separate interview with our Correspondent in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Findings by our Correspondent in Lokoja revealed that “Finebobo”, was last seen about two months ago in the area while efforts by neighbours to unravel what happened to him proved abortive.
“Bouncing bobo”, soft spoken in his late 40s and speaks almost flawless english and described as an indigene of kogi state, is a non violent mentally challenged person,who goes about his insanity in absolute peace with the european cemetery as his sleeping place.
The mad man,who is known for restless trekking and talking to himself,is usually found within the vicinity of the cemetery located off the ever busy Murtala Mohammed road, Lokoja and return to the cemetery to sleep for the night.
The cemetery contains the tombs of european soldiers and missionaries who came to Africa in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries for pursue socio-economic expansionist ventures and envagelism and died in the process in Lokoja.
One of neighbours in area, who spoke with The Reporters on the condition of anonymity with sober tone said:”We, the residents of this area, are worried about the sudden disappearance of Joe, the man we fondly called “Bouncing bobo”.
“We wish we can help him to return to normal behaviour and life ,but we can’t. We just pray he is save wherever he may be now.
“Though he exihibites actions outside the normal behaviour expected of any human being of sound mind, we still love him and some time extend gestures in cash and kind to him, because he is a peaceful man, even in his health condition.
“He approaches people and asks for assistance when hungry, if you turn his request down, he moves on without any harm and when you give him money or clothes, he takes them and responds with thank you sir or ma with smiles and leaves.
“We don’t really know his fate now;whether he is a victim of kidnapping or ritual, only God knows.
“All I can remember “Bouncing bobo” for now is that, here is human being, who has stayed peacefully with us for donkey’s years and suddenly, he is no where to be found.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
