UYO – The family of late Mr. Sampson Udom has called for a comprehensive police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire incident that claimed his life in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, amid allegations directed at his wife over the tragedy.
Mr. Udom, an indigene of Ibiaku Uruan in Uruan Local Government Area, reportedly sustained severe burns following a fire outbreak at his residence located at No. 45 Ekpenyong Street, Uyo, on July 8, 2025.
According to information attributed to a local publication, Peace Letters, the fire allegedly started in a generator house while a generator was being refuelled before spreading to parts of the building and trapping the deceased.
He was rushed to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries on July 9.
Eyewitnesses said neighbours made frantic efforts to rescue him and contain the blaze before emergency responders arrived, but the fire had already spread significantly.
The deceased’s younger brother, Mr. Ndifreke Edet Udom, who reportedly joined the rescue operation, was also said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The incident has, however, taken a controversial dimension following allegations by members of the deceased’s family, who claimed there were circumstances surrounding the tragedy that warranted closer scrutiny.
The family reportedly raised suspicions about the possible involvement of the deceased’s wife, Mrs. Imaobong Sampson Udom, an indigene of Ikot Edebe in Nsit Atai Local Government Area, and called on security agencies to carry out a thorough, impartial and scientific investigation to establish the actual cause of the fire and determine whether any individual bears responsibility.
Family members also disclosed that the widow had not been seen publicly since the incident and appealed to anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to assist law enforcement authorities.
The development has reportedly heightened tensions, with reports indicating that some aggrieved relatives had issued threats of reprisal, prompting renewed calls for calm and restraint.
Residents within the metropolis have described the incident as tragic and disturbing, urging all parties to allow security agencies to carry out their investigations instead of resorting to speculation or self-help.
As of the time of filing this report, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had not issued any official statement confirming any arrest, indictment or declaration of Mrs. Imaobong Sampson Udom as a wanted person.
All allegations remain unproven, and no individual has been found culpable pending the outcome of official investigations.
