By Patrick Odey
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries, Oron, Pastor Etetim Udo, who reportedly committed suicide.
A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Saturday said the command received a distress call on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at about 8:18 a.m. from a resident who informed the police that upon arriving at the church premises, where he usually parks his motorcycle, he noticed an unusual gathering.
The resident told the police that he was subsequently informed by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.
According to the statement, operatives immediately mobilised to the scene, where preliminary observations revealed that the deceased was found suspended with a twisted mosquito net rope.
It added that the scene was professionally processed, photographs were taken, and relevant exhibits were recovered to aid forensic examination and further investigation.
The deceased’s body was evacuated to the hospital, where the doctor on duty confirmed him dead.
His remains have since been deposited at the mortuary pending an autopsy.
The statement read in part, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a cleric, Pastor Etetim Udo, Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries, located at No. 1B Etim Inyang Street, Oron.
“On Thursday, July 23, 2026, at about 8:18 a.m., the command received a distress report from a resident who stated that upon arriving at the church premises, where he usually parks his motorcycle, he noticed an unusual gathering.
“He was subsequently informed by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.
“Following the report, police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene. Preliminary observations revealed that the deceased was found suspended with a twisted mosquito net rope inside the church.
“The scene was professionally processed by investigators, photographs were taken, and relevant exhibits were recovered to aid forensic examination and further investigation.
“The body was evacuated to the hospital, where the doctor on duty confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited at the mortuary pending an autopsy.”
The statement added that although preliminary findings point to a suspected case of suicide, the command stressed that the investigation would determine the exact circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death and rule out other possibilities.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, assured members of the public that the investigation would be thorough, impartial and professionally conducted.
He appealed to anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to come forward and cooperate with the police.
He also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or engaging in speculation capable of misleading the investigation or causing unnecessary public anxiety.
