The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a 45-year-old man, Mr. Udeme Sunday Uko, who was found dead from a gunshot wound inside a church in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued Tuesday night by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, at a church located in Ikot Oku Usung village, where the victim was reportedly sleeping with his wife and children.
“Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the suspected murder of Mr. Udeme Sunday Uko, who was found in a pool of blood while sleeping with his family inside a church,” the statement read.
Preliminary findings suggest that a single gunshot was heard inside the church shortly after midnight.
Mr. Uko was later discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the head, raising suspicions of either suicide or targeted attack.
The Command said it was alerted to the incident by concerned residents who were informed by the victim’s wife.
A police team was immediately deployed to the scene.
“During the visit, a locally made pistol was recovered at the scene and has been taken in as evidence,” the police spokesperson stated.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy as investigations continue.
The police assured the public that a thorough inquiry would be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.