Police in Cross River State have launched an investigation following the discovery of a beheaded teenager in Yahe River, Yala Local Government Area, as authorities seek to establish the victim’s identity and uncover the circumstances surrounding his death.
The deceased, believed to be about 16 years old, was discovered in the river on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, with his head severed from his body. The discovery has prompted concerns within the community, while investigators continue efforts to establish what happened before the teenager’s body was found.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Calabar on Monday, November 2. The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the report was received at about 5:30 p.m. by ASP Ekurbe Abi, the Officer-in-Charge of Yahe Outstation.
According to the police, officers responded to the report and recovered the teenager’s body from the river. They also observed bloodstains at the scene, which raised further concerns about the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Although the discovery has raised questions about the events leading to the teenager’s death, the police have not disclosed any suspects or established a possible motive. Investigators are still working to determine the sequence of events and identify those who may have been involved.
Cross River Teenager’s Identity Remains Unknown
Following the recovery, police subjected the body to medical examination before depositing it in a mortuary. However, authorities have yet to establish the victim’s identity, making public assistance an important part of the ongoing investigation.
The command has appealed to residents of Yahe and neighbouring communities to provide information that could help identify the deceased. It has particularly encouraged families with missing teenage boys to contact the police if their relatives match the available description.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has also directed officers to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He wants investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and identify anyone responsible.
The commissioner further assured residents that the command would pursue the case and work towards bringing those responsible to justice.
Police have urged anyone with credible information about the incident or a missing teenager to report to the nearest police station. Residents can also contact the command’s control room through 0704 177 7060 or 0705 335 5415.
The appeal comes as investigators continue their efforts to establish the teenager’s identity, understand how he died and determine whether anyone else was involved.
Ogun Police Recover AK-47 Rifle in Separate Operation
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has reported a separate security development following the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a Mercedes-Benz GLK in Ota.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that officers recovered the items after searching an unregistered vehicle. The recovered exhibits included two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, while the vehicle and other items have been secured for further investigation.
According to the police, investigators are working to establish ownership of the recovered items and determine whether they have any connection to criminal activities.
The recovery followed an earlier police operation in Ijaba, Iyesi, Ota, where officers responded to a robbery incident involving suspected armed criminals. During the operation, police reportedly neutralised a suspected armed robber and recovered two vehicles, suspected stolen property and a locally made pistol with ammunition.
The Ogun Command said investigations into the recoveries were continuing as officers worked to establish further details.
Although both developments involve police investigations into serious security concerns, authorities have not indicated any connection between the Ogun operation and the teenager’s death in Cross River.
For now, the main focus in Cross River remains identifying the deceased and establishing the circumstances surrounding the killing. Police have urged residents to cooperate with investigators as the search for credible information continues.