11/08/2026
UPDATE FROM THE FAMILY OF KATLONG,
The message read:
I’m relieved to announce that his family has finally been found.
This afternoon after I returned home, I was contacted by my big bro, Bagat Ben Shom, who recognized the victim, through him, I was able to establish contact with Katlong’s maternal family who later reached out to his father.
Sadly, the story is heartbreaking.
Katlong was the only child of his mother, who sadly passed away about three years ago. Knowing this makes his own passing even more heartbreaking.
By the time I made my post in the morning, Katlong had already passed away in the early hours of today (long before I even came to the hospital). I did not announce his death at the time because his family had not yet been located. We did not want to cause panic or shock before we could reach his people.
Since he was brought to Mercy Seat Specialist Hospital, Kwata Za’ang, the hospital staff had been caring for him since Saturday evening. Unfortunately, efforts to locate his family were initially unsuccessful, especially as he unconscious at some point, and was unable to provide enough information about himself not until few hours before his demise today.
This evening, we went back to the hospital with his people, his body has been retrieved and had been deposited at the mortuary. The Nigerian Police Force is aware and fully involved in the matter, and further investigations will be carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
Note: Katlong was seen wearing a Plateau State University (PLASU) jersey. Some staff and members of the Students’ Union came to the hospital to help determine whether he was a student of the university. This was a commendable gesture, although it has been confirmed by the immediate family, that he was not a student of the institution.
I sincerely appreciate the management and staff of Mercy Seat Specialist Hospital for caring for Katlong during the time he was under their care.
He was barely 24 years old. A young life has been lost in an uncertain way, and many questions remain unanswered.
Will folllow up the matter closely.
Rest in peace, Katlong, and God console his bereaved family.
May his soul rest in peace.