The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged death by suicide of Pastor Etetim Udo, Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries in Oron.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said police received a distress call on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at about 8:18 a.m. from a resident who reported an unusual gathering at the church premises.
According to the statement, the resident said he was informed by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.
Police operatives immediately responded to the scene, where preliminary findings showed the cleric was found suspended with a twisted mosquito net rope.
The command said the scene was processed, photographs were taken and relevant exhibits were recovered for forensic examination and further investigation.
The body was evacuated to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, before being deposited at the mortuary pending an autopsy.
The police said although preliminary findings suggest a suspected suicide, investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death and rule out other possibilities.
Commissioner of Police Baba Azare assured the public that the investigation would be thorough, impartial and professionally conducted.
He appealed to anyone with useful information to assist the investigation to come forward and urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information or engaging in speculation that could hinder the investigation or cause unnecessary public anxiety.