Police Investigate Woman's Death Found in Cross River Church Toilet

Police in Nigeria's Cross River state are investigating the death of a woman whose body was discovered inside a toilet at a Presbyterian church in Calabar. The deceased, identified as Blessing Ayebe, had reportedly attended a church service on June 28 but did not return home.

Her body was found in the church toilet around 9 p.m. on June 29. Her daughter reported the incident to the police on July 1, after being informed by her brother. The woman was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where doctors confirmed her death. Her body has since been deposited at the hospital's mortuary for an autopsy.

Police spokesperson Eitokpah Akata stated that investigators are treating the case as a sudden and unnatural death. "The case is under investigation. The corpse has been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy to determine the cause of death," Akata said. He noted that no arrests have been made as there is currently no evidence of criminal involvement or foul play.

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The case is under investigation. The corpse has been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The outcome of the autopsy is expected to guide investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding Ms. Ayebe's death. The police have not yet disclosed whether she had any pre-existing medical conditions or showed signs of distress before entering the toilet. The autopsy will be crucial in establishing whether the death resulted from natural causes or other circumstances that would warrant further criminal investigation.

This incident occurs amidst a series of recent investigations by the Cross River state police into violent incidents, including the killing of a farmer and the mob assault of a woman accused of witchcraft. Authorities continue to urge residents to report suspicious activities and refrain from vigilantism.

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No suspect has been identified or arrested at this stage, as there is presently no evidence of foul play.