Police investigating killing of man shot dead while sleeping in a church, motive for murder yet unknown
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Police are trying to figure out the motive for the killing of a certain Udeme Uko, 45, who was shot dead in a church in Ikot Oku Usung village, Ukanafun Council of Akwa Ibom.
Uko was sleeping alongside his wife and children when gunmen stormed the church and shot him in the head around 12:10am on Tuesday.
Akwa Ibom Police Command spokesperson Timfon John confirmed that Uko was found dead when officers arrived at the scene.
She disclosed in a statement that “the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the suspected murder of a 45-year-old man, Uko, who was found in a pool of blood while sleeping with his family inside a church in Ukanafun Local Government Area.
“The victim, his wife, and children were sleeping at the church in Ikot Oku Usung village when a gunshot was heard.
“Uko was later discovered to have been shot in the head, suggesting either a suicide or an attack by unknown assailants. Investigation will soon reveal the actual cause.”
Citizens alerted the police when the victim’s wife raised an alarm over the gunshot.
“Upon receiving the information, a team of police officers was immediately dispatched to the scene of the crime. During the visit, a locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit,” John recounted, adding that the body was sent to the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Police Commissioner Baba Azare was quoted in the statement as having ordered a thorough and swift investigation to uncover the circumstances of the incident.
“The command is assuring the public that all necessary resources will be deployed to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated to the public as they arise,” the statement added.
Another person was shot dead at a bar in Uyo during a suspected gang-related attack last year.
Read also:
