The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a woman, Blessing Ayebe, whose body was discovered inside the toilet facility of a church in the Ikot Ansa area of Calabar Municipality.
The deceased, who had been reported missing by her family, was found around 9 p.m. on Monday, several days after she was last seen attending a church service.
According to findings, Ayebe attended a worship service at the Presbyterian Church, Ikot Ansa Parish, on Saturday, June 28, but never returned home, prompting concern among family members.
Her son, Saviour Ayebe, was the first to raise the alarm over her disappearance. Following unsuccessful efforts to locate her, her daughter, Peace Ayebe, reported the case to the Federal Housing Police Station in Calabar on Tuesday, July 1.
Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said detectives have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
“The corpse has been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy to determine the cause of death,” Eitokpah said.
He added that no suspect has been identified or arrested, noting that investigators have yet to establish evidence of foul play.
“No suspect has been identified or arrested at this stage, as there is presently no evidence of foul play. Investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as they unfold,” the police spokesperson stated.
Sources further disclosed that Ayebe’s remains have been deposited at the morgue of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where an autopsy will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.
As of the time of filing this report, police investigators had not determined how or when the deceased died, or how long her body may have remained inside the church’s toilet facility before it was discovered.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation and autopsy is expected to provide clarity on the mysterious circumstances surrounding the incident.
