By Wealth Oghenemaro
Residents of Ikot Obio Odong in Ibesikpo Asutan, Akwa Ibom State, are in shock following the tragic death of 35-year-old Blessing Sunday Etim, who reportedly lost her life after a failed abortion performed by a self-styled doctor.
The suspect, Sunday Okon Akpan, runs a facility he called Full Life Medical Centre. To unsuspecting villagers, he appeared to be a doctor. But police investigations have revealed that he had no licence, no nursing qualification, only a background as a community health worker.
For Blessing’s family, the news has been devastating. Her mother, who first raised alarm over the incident, told the police that she could not believe her daughter’s life was cut short in such a painful and shameful way.
Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John said the incident occurred on Tuesday, August 19. According to her, Akpan tried to cover up the tragedy by sneaking Blessing’s lifeless body into her room. “When confronted, he abandoned the body and fled,” John explained.
Detectives later discovered evidence of a botched abortion. “The team observed a premature fetus emerging from the victim’s private part,” the police confirmed.
Neighbours described Blessing as a quiet, hardworking woman whose death has left the community heartbroken. “She did not deserve to die like this,” one resident said.
The so-called clinic has since been deserted. Police say the case is under thorough investigation and that the Commissioner of Police has assured that justice will be done.
Blessing’s body has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy. Her family now waits for answers, and for closure, over a life cut short by a man who pretended to be what he was not.
