From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Special Adviser to Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, Mrs Shimite Love Bello has been reported dead.
Bello, popularly known as Madam Sabificate was alleged to have died yesterday after a domestic violence which erupted at her residence in Asaba, the state capital.
She was alleged to have had an altercation with her husband on Easter Sunday and she was hospitalised at St. Luke’s Hospital, Asaba, where she was rushed for emergency treatment.
Family sources alleged that she was poisoned, but it was not clear whether she died as a result poisoning or not.
Multiple sources disclosed that her husband, Pastor David Favour Love, has been taken into police protective custody following threats from his wife’s family.
A family member, who confirmed her death to newsmen in Asaba, disclosed that she was found with foam coming out of her mouth on their matrimonial bed yesterday, following a distress call from her neighbours that there was altercation in her home.
The source said,”I spoke with her for over an hour on Saturday. She was vibrant and told me about a meeting she had earlier attended. Nothing was wrong with her,but on Sunday, I sent her Easter messages, but she didn’t reply, which was unusual.”
The source said that her family raised the alarm when Shimite’s maid called her elder brother, expressing concern that she was allegedly locked up in the house all through the day.
“Her brother rushed over and found her inside the house with foam coming out from her mouth. He took her to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty.
“One of her aides, Tameta Sunday and social media user, Hon. Oge Okonkwo, also confirmed her death on social media, blaming it on domestic violence.They said that her husband has been arrested in connection with her death.”
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO) Edafe Bright confirmed the death in a text message.
He was silent about the circumstances surrounding her death, but confirmed that her husband was taken into police protective custody.
“Her death is confirmed but the rumour on social media are not for me to speak on because the husband was the one who reported her death early this morning, claiming that he receiving threats from the family of his wife, so we decided to take him into police protective custody. He was not arrested as claimed on social media”.
SP Edafe, however, said investigation has commenced to ascertain the real cause of death,”the deceased body has been deposited in the mortuary as police investigations into her death continue.”
Meanwhile, the Asaba branch of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA),has expressed deep sorrow over her tragic and shocking death.
The association in a statement by its image maker, Abel JohnGold, said that Shimite, fondly known as ‘The White Eagle’ untimely death has cast a dark shadow over the UIAA community and beyond, as,”we mourn the loss of a rare gem who contributed immensely to both alumni activities and public service.
“Her intelligence, grace, and unwavering commitment to progress made her a shining star in Delta State’s political arena and a cherished voice within the UIAA. Personally, I will miss her radiant presence and insightful contributions during our alumni programmes. Her charm and intellect left an indelible mark. Both UIAA and Delta state just lost an asset”,Abel JohnGold wrote.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME) Delta state, has expressed profound sadness over her death.
State chairman of NASME, Lady Judith Nwachukwu, in a statement said that Shimite Bello Love was a vital pillar of support for many of our initiatives, and her loss leaves us heartbroken. Her last engagement with us was during the recent Plantain Value Chain program, which she co-sponsored with NASME Delta State.
“With her extensive expertise in Nano, Micro, Small, Medium, and Macro Enterprise Development (NMSMMED), Shimite Bello Love was an invaluable source of guidance for our work at NASME. She consistently illuminated our path in our interactions with the government, sharing her wealth of knowledge on micro-finance, human capital development, and innovative approaches to wealth creation through agriculture and solid minerals.
“As an association, we will profoundly miss her insights and dedication that she generously shared during our time together.
“On behalf of Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME) Delta State, we extend our deepest condolences to the people of Ebu Kingdom in Oshimili North LGA, the Government of Delta state, and her beloved family who mourn her passing”, she said.