Man dies by suicide in Nigerian market; community demands cleansing rituals

A 56-year-old man, identified as Anthony Anthony, died by suicide early Sunday morning at the Obudu Main Market Square in Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. The shoemaker, who hailed from the Bekwarra Local Government Area, has left residents in shock over the circumstances of his death.

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The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday. We are still in shock over the situation. He is a shoemaker and he is from Bekwarra Local Government Area.

Following the incident, the local community is reportedly demanding N300,000 from the deceased's family. This sum is intended for cleansing rituals, which the community considers necessary due to the death being viewed as a taboo. The market has been shut since the incident, and the rituals are seen as a prerequisite for its reopening.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident. Police operatives visited the scene, documented the area, and transported the body to the mortuary. The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, stated that an immediate investigation has been ordered to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death and to ascertain if any foul play was involved.

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We are aware of the incident. Police operatives visited the scene, documented the area, and recovered the body to the mortuary. The circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be established.

Authorities are urging residents to provide credible and timely information to aid the investigation. Further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.

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I urge residents to continue providing credible and timely information to the police as further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.