Tears flowed as the remains of a police officer killed by unknown gunmen in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State were lowered into grave Friday, August 13.
Mr. Imeh Etim, assistant Superintendent of police, was one of the five policemen on duty killed when unknown gunmen invaded Odoro Ikpe Divisional police headquarters in Ini Local Government Area on Saturday, May 8, 2021.
The gunmen, according to a source from the area, suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, stormed the police station about 2:45 a.m. in two buses and a Sienna car. They also killed a police Officer’s wife and set ablaze patrol vehicles.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Odiko MacDon who had confirmed the attack said he was already at the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
“Yes, there was an attack at the Divisional Police headquarters, Odoro Ikpe in Ini Local government area. Six persons including five officers and a wife of an officer were killed. I am at the station as we speak,” he responded then.
The funeral service of ASP Etim was conducted by The Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church Incorporated took place at the deceased compound at Ikot Ekiduk, Midim in Abak Local Government Area.
In his homily, Linus John noted that in every situation, one has every reason to give thanks to God, pointing out that whatever one does, he or she should remember that there will be an end where everybody is expected to give account to God, the creator.
John, an Apostle admonished the congregation to repent from their evil ways and give their life to Christ, remembering that at the end, they shall give account of their stewardship.
“Repent from your evil way because there will be an end where everybody shall render account of his or her stewardship”, said Apostle John.
The man of God warned that those who have made others to mourn, cry and lament must surely get their reward on the last day, stressing that the submission of all these things is for all to honour God by giving their lives to Jesus Christ.
In a biography read by one of bereaved children, the late ASP Imeh Etim was described as a peaceable and sociable personality. ‘’He was also said to be friendly and humorous man loved by anyone who came in contact with him,’’ the biography said.
The late Etim is survived by a wife, Deaconess Grace, children, brothers including Apostle Dr. Sylvester Ibanga, Hon. Prince Uduak Etukudoh, cousins including Obong Dr. Nkereuwem Etukudoh who is Akwa Ibom Pillar of Sports and Provost, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, Plateau State, among others.