The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a woman whose body was discovered inside a church toilet in Calabar, the state capital.

The deceased, identified as Blessing Ayebe, reportedly attended a service at the Presbyterian Church, Ikot Ansa Parish, on June 28 but did not return home.

According to the police, her body was found inside the church toilet on the night of June 29 before the incident was reported to the Federal Housing Police Station on July 1 by her daughter, Peace Ayebe, after she was informed by her brother, Saviour Ayebe.

The woman was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed her death. Her remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.

Police officers who visited the scene reportedly found no visible signs of violence on the body.

Confirming the development on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River State, Assistant Superintendent of Police Eitokpah Akata, said the case is being investigated as a sudden and unnatural death.

He said no arrests had been made because investigators had not found any evidence suggesting criminal involvement.

According to him, the outcome of the autopsy will determine the cause of death and guide the next stage of the investigation.

The police have yet to establish whether the deceased had any underlying medical condition or experienced any form of distress before entering the church toilet.

The incident has generated reactions on social media, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The police have appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist the investigation by coming forward as detectives continue their inquiries.