Community demands N300,000 cleansing fee after Obudu market suicide

The family of a 56-year-old man who allegedly committed suicide at the Obudu Main Market in Cross River State has reportedly been asked to pay N300,000 for traditional cleansing rites before the market can reopen.

The deceased, identified by the police as Anthony, was found dead at the market square in the early hours of Sunday, August 23, 2026, sending traders and residents into shock.

Anthony, who was said to be a shoemaker and an indigene of Bekwarra Local Government Area, reportedly died under circumstances the community considers taboo.

Following the incident, the Obudu Main Market was shut down, while the community reportedly insisted that traditional cleansing rites be performed before normal trading activities could resume.

Sources said the community had demanded N300,000 from the deceased’s family to carry out the cleansing rites, which were said to be necessary because of the manner in which the man died.

The demand has reportedly generated concern among residents, particularly over the financial burden it could place on the bereaved family at a time when it is still grappling with the shock of the death.

The circumstances surrounding Anthony’s death remained unclear as of Monday, with residents unable to establish what may have driven the deceased to take his own life.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command said it had launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and determine whether foul play was involved.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said police operatives visited the scene, documented the area and took the body to a mortuary.

According to him, the police were yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, stressing that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

The development has left the market shut while the community and the deceased’s family await the outcome of the police investigation and the resolution of the traditional issues surrounding the reopening of the market.