The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has opened an investigation into the death of Pastor Etetim Udo, Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries in Oron, following reports that he allegedly died by suicide.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said police received a distress call at about 8:18 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from a resident who noticed unusual activity at the church premises.

According to the statement, the caller told officers that he had arrived at the church, where he normally parks his motorcycle, and found a crowd gathered. He said the deceased’s children informed him that their father had allegedly taken his own life.

Police Process Scene, Recover Exhibits

Following the report, police operatives were deployed to the church to assess the situation.

Preliminary findings indicated that Pastor Udo was found suspended inside the church with a twisted mosquito net rope.

Investigators processed the scene, took photographs and recovered relevant exhibits to support forensic analysis and the ongoing investigation.

The cleric’s body was later taken to a hospital, where the attending doctor confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary pending an autopsy.

“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,” the statement said in part.

Commissioner Calls for Public Cooperation

The police noted that while initial observations suggest a suspected case of suicide, the investigation is ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the pastor’s death and rule out any other possibilities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, assured residents that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, professionally and without bias.

He also appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward and cooperate with the police.

In addition, the commissioner urged the public to avoid spreading unverified reports or engaging in speculation that could hinder the investigation or create unnecessary public concern.