The discovery of a headless corpse of an 18-year-old boy in Calabar has thrown residents of Ikot Effanga and surrounding communities into panic, amid fears of ritual killings in Cross River State.
The victim, identified as Daniel Ekanem, a native of Ikot Offiong in Odukpani Local Government Area and resident of Lemna community in Calabar Municipality, was last seen on August 14, 2025 after he reportedly went to harvest vegetables in the swamp near the Calabar River, behind the Cross River Basin Authority.
His decomposing remains were found five days later, on August 19, during a search organized by his family. The shocking discovery that his head had been severed from his body immediately raised suspicion of ritual murder.
The gruesome incident has sparked fear across the Calabar Municipality, forcing many farmers and traders to suspend commercial activities in the swampy areas for fear of further attacks.
Confirming the murder, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid Afegbua, described the killing as “tragic” and extended condolences to the victim’s family. He assured that investigations were already underway and promised that justice would be served.
According to him, tactical units of the Command, including the Dragon Squad and operatives from Ikot Omin Division, have been deployed to track down the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, community leaders from Ikot Effanga and neighboring Ikot Enebong, where the body was discovered, have pledged to work closely with security agencies to unravel those behind the crime.
The murder of young Daniel Ekanem has reignited concerns over ritual-related killings in the state, with residents urging authorities to intensify efforts to curb the menace.
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