By Patrick Idowu
Tragedy struck in Akwa Ibom State as a 45-year-old man, Udeme Sunday Uko, was shot dead by unknown gunmen while sleeping with his family inside a church.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at about 12:10 a.m. at Ikot Oku Usung village in Ukanafun Local Government Area.
According to eyewitnesses, Uko was found in a pool of blood after a gunshot was heard inside the church where he and his family had taken refuge for the night.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in Akwa Ibom, DSP Timfon John, said:
“Preliminary reports suggest the victim was shot in the head while sleeping. It is suspected to be either suicide or a targeted attack, but investigations will determine the exact cause.”
In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Uyo, the police said the wife of the deceased raised the alarm, prompting concerned citizens to alert authorities.
“Upon receiving the report, a team of officers was immediately deployed to the scene.
“A locally made pistol was recovered as evidence. The body has been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the killing, assuring the public that all necessary resources will be committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.