Man Shot Dead Inside Church in Akwa Ibom: Police Launch Investigation

Man Shot Dead Inside Church in Akwa Ibom: Police Launch Investigation

  • A 45-year-old man was shot dead while sleeping with his family inside a church in Akwa Ibom state
  • Police recovered a locally made pistol at the scene and have launched a full investigation
  • The commissioner of police vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice

A 45-year-old man identified as Udeme Sunday Uko was fatally shot inside a church in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, while the victim was reportedly sleeping with his family inside the church premises.

Police recover locally made pistol after fatal church shooting in Akwa Ibom.
Akwa Ibom man shot dead while sleeping with family inside Ukanafun church. Photo credit: Legit Nigeria
Source: Original

According to local sources, Uko was discovered lying in a pool of blood, sparking immediate concern and alarm within the community.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, but authorities have confirmed that a gunshot was heard shortly before the victim was found.

Police recover pistol, begin investigation

The Akwa Ibom state Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched a full-scale investigation. Police public relations officer, DSP Timfon John, stated that officers were dispatched to the scene promptly after receiving the report.

Read also

Akwa Ibom: Tragedy as man shot dead inside church, police speak

“According to a preliminary report, the incident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at approximately 12.10 am,” she said.

John added that during the police visit, a locally made pistol was recovered from the scene and has been taken as an exhibit. The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Commissioner of police vows justice

In response to the incident, the commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom state, Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing. DSP John assured the public that the command is committed to ensuring justice is served.

“She stated that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, had directed a thorough investigation into the case to apprehend those responsible, and assured that all necessary resources will be deployed to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Investigation underway as Akwa Ibom church shooting leaves one dead.
Investigation underway as Akwa Ibom church shooting leaves one dead. Photo credit: Analogu/GettyImages
Source: Twitter

About Akwa Ibom

Read also

Tragedy as soldier stabs police officer to death in Taraba

Akwa Ibom is a coastal state in Nigeria’s South-South region, created in 1987 from the former Cross River state.

With Uyo as its capital, the state is home to over five million people, predominantly from the Ibibio, Annang, and Oron ethnic groups. Known for its rich oil and gas reserves, Akwa Ibom is Nigeria’s highest crude oil-producing state, while also boasting vibrant agricultural and fishing industries.

The state features lush tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and a 129-kilometre coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. It is also culturally significant, with historical landmarks and a legacy of early missionary and colonial influence.

Tragedy as man shot dead inside church

Legit.ng earlier reported that a 45-year-old man, Udeme Uko, in Ukanafun local government area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom state, was allegedly shot dead.

As reported by Channels Television, Uko was found dead while sleeping with his family in a church in the area.

Read also

Tragedy as another Nigerian found dead in UK residence

Premium Times also noted the sad update which caused sorrow in the Uko family.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is a journalist with more than five years of experience. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ekiti State University (2018). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022), and Staff Writer at The Movee (2018). He is a 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow, OCRP Fellow at ICIR, and Accountability Fellow at CJID. Email: basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.

Page was generated in 2.5688199996948