A 56-year-old man identified as Anthony Anthony has committed suicide at Obudu Main Market Square in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 23, 2026.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the deceased hailed from Bekwarra Local Government Area of the state, adding that residents were still in shock over the circumstances surrounding his death.

He said, “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.”

It was further gathered that the community is allegedly demanding N300,000 from the deceased’s family for cleansing, saying the circumstances surrounding his death were considered a taboo.

According to the eyewitness, the community demanded the money for the cleansing, stressing that it was necessary to enable the reopening of the market, which has since been shut.

Confirming the incident on Monday in Calabar via a phone call, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed that the incident occurred, adding that the command had ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death and rule out any possibility of foul play.

He said, “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.”

The police spokesman urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to the police, adding that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

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