Photo: TwitterThe early hours of Thursday brought heartbreak to Udok Street in Uyo. A young woman’s body was discovered abandoned in a shallow gutter, just off Barracks Road. Her identity is still unknown, and police are appealing to the public for help.
Local residents were left shaken by the scene. Some passing by on their way to work stopped in silence. One woman whispered, “I couldn’t believe it… she looked so young. Someone out there must be looking for her.”
She was dressed in jeans and a black top, with no visible ID on her. Police believe she may have been dumped there overnight. No injuries were confirmed by officials yet, but a full investigation is underway.
Students from nearby campuses have taken to social media to share the photo in hopes that her family will come forward. “She looks like someone I’ve seen around UniUyo,” posted a user named Itoro. “Please, if you know her, say something. Her people deserve to know.”
For many, this is more than just a tragic discovery. It’s another reminder of how unsafe the streets can be for women. In 2025 alone, South Africa and surrounding regions have recorded over 12,000 female homicide cases, according to civil society reports. Many remain unsolved.
“I don’t know her name,” said a vendor near the scene, “but she looked like someone who had a future. And now we’re standing here, talking about a body.”
Police have asked anyone with information to contact the nearest station. They’ve also asked families with missing loved ones to visit the morgue at Uyo General Hospital. A case docket has been opened, and investigators are looking into possible leads from CCTV in the area.
As the sun went down, a few candles were placed near the gutter. Some young women stood there quietly, heads bowed, not knowing who she was — only knowing she didn’t deserve to be found like that.
If you know anyone who’s gone missing recently in Uyo or nearby towns, please check in with them. One phone call could help bring peace to a grieving family.
What do you think should be done to make our streets safer for young women?
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