The body of a woman identified as Blessing Ayebe was discovered inside a toilet at the Presbyterian Church, Ikot Ansa Parish, in Calabar, Cross River State, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances of her death.
Woman Missing After Church Service
Ayebe attended a church service on June 28 but failed to return home, causing concern among her relatives. Her body was found in one of the church's toilet facilities at approximately 9 p.m. the following day. The incident was reported to the Federal Housing Police Station by her daughter, Peace Minka Ayebe, after receiving information from her brother, Saviour Ayebe.
Autopsy Ordered to Determine Cause of Death
The remains were taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital mortuary, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River State, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident. He stated that a preliminary examination revealed no visible injuries or signs of violence. No suspects have been identified or arrested, as there is no evidence indicating foul play at this stage. Akata added, “The investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as they unfold.”
Similar Incident: Nursing Student Found Dead
In a related case, a 23-year-old nursing student, Chiamaka Chilaka, was found dead in her apartment in Uruezeani, Alor, in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Chilaka, an ND II student at the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, was discovered lifeless on Sunday after a church service. A viral video showed a cleric wailing, repeatedly shouting “My daughter, my daughter.” Accounts alleged that Chilaka had been subjected to repeated unwanted advances by her landlord, which she rejected, and was last seen having an altercation with him.
Police Confirm Arrest in Nursing Student Case
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident through spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga. Police observed visible injuries on the deceased, including a deep cut on her thigh, other marks of violence, and blood stains, suggesting possible foul play. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, ordered a full-scale investigation, transferring the case from the Nnobi Divisional Police Headquarters to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a comprehensive and discreet investigation.
Other Recent Incidents
In a separate case, three suspects were arrested over the killing of seven members of a single family in Newark, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The victims, aged between 20 and 83, were abducted from their home, and their bodies were later discovered in a remote area near Melmoth.
