UYO
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.
This follows a distress report received by the Command from a resident in the area on Thursday, 23rd July, 2026, at about 8:18 a.m.
According to the release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, DSP, the resident stated that upon arriving at the church premises, where he usually parks his motorcycle, he noticed an unusual gathering.
The resident’s narration,said he was subsequently informed by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.
John stated that following the report, police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene. which preliminary observations revealed that the deceased was found suspended with a twisted mosquito net rope.
“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 medical doctor on duty confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited at the mortuary pending the conduct of an autopsy,” she hinted.
The PPRO noted although preliminary findings point to a case of suspected suicide,” the Command wishes to emphasise that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and rule out every other possibility.”
Meanwhile,the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Azare has assured members of the public that the investigation will be thorough, impartial, and professionally conducted.
He , therefore,appealed to anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to come forward and cooperate with the police.
Azare 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.
He assured that the Command remains committed to ensuring that every reported incident was thoroughly investigated in the interest of justice while continuing to protect lives and property across the state.