Following the tragic and fatal road accident in the Salvation Army Akwa Ibom South East Division, Nigeria, on 29 June 2023, Territorial Commander Commissioner Daniel Kasuso and Commissioner Tracey Kasuso (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) travelled to Akwa Ibom on 6 July with Lieut-Colonels Joseph and Ngozi Mbagwu, Secretary for Personnel and Territorial Home League Secretary respectively.
Accompanied by divisional leaders from the five Akwa Ibom State divisions, the territorial leaders visited each of the bereaved families to offer counsel and reassurance of God’s continual love. Prayers and messages of hope and comfort were given in moments of sober reflection as the families of those promoted to Glory (passed away) shared their feelings with the commissioners. There was consensus for a mass funeral service to be held on 28 July at Eket Stadium.
Commissioner Daniel Kasuso established a committee to arrange the funerals, made up of Salvationists, divisional leaders serving in Akwa Ibom and representatives of the bereaved families, and coordinated by Major Udo Uwak, Divisional Commander, Akwa Ibom South East. The number of mourners expected to attend the funeral is between three and four thousand.
Immediately after the funeral service, each casket will be conveyed to its respective home for a brief committal, with officers assigned to perform each ceremony.
The territorial leaders acknowledge the support of General Brian Peddle in assigning Commissioners Keith and Yvonne Conrad (respectively International Secretary and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Africa Zone, International Headquarters) to represent him at the massed service of those promoted to Glory.
Prayer for those who mourn
Salvationists of the Akwa Ibom South East Division are grateful to their international leaders and the global Salvation Army for their concern, prayerful support and encouragement, and request that the Army world remains in prayer for all those who mourn the loss of loved ones.
Officers promoted to Glory include:
Major Unyime Ekere – Afaha Eket Corps
Major Mary Ekere – Afaha Eket Corps
Major Sunday Sampson – Ikot Uso Ekong Corps
Major Ofonime Sampson – Ikot Uso Ekong Corps
Major Emem Friday Obot – Ndukpoise Corps
Lieutenant Nseobong Obot – Ndukpoise Corps
Captain Edet Umana – Oron Corps
Captain Mfonobong Umana – Oron Corps
Major Emem Udobong – Akai Children’s Home
Lieutenant Margaret Udoh – Ikot Eyo Corps
Lieutenant James Etukakpan – Ete Corps
Also promoted to Glory in the accident were the driver, Christian Etukakpan (a brother of the late Lieutenant James Etukakpan) and Gabriella James Etukakpan (the 17 month-old daughter of Lieutenant James and Blessing Etukakpan). All officers promoted to Glory as a result of the accident are survived by children.
The territorial leaders visited survivors Majors Peace and Ijioma Ikpatt (Afia Nsit Eket Corps) following their discharge from hospital, although both remain unwell. Major Peace Ikpatt had assisted surviving officers to safety at the scene of the accident. The commissioners will also visit Lieutenant Blessing James Etukakpan (Ete Corps) and Lieutenant Nsima Sunday Udoh (Ikot Eyo Corps), who are being treated at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
The international Salvation Army requests continued prayers for the bereaved and injured.