Police Investigate Alleged Suicide of Akwa Ibom Pastor Etetim Udoh as Worshippers Express Shock

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Pastor Etetim Udo, the Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries in Oron local government area, who was found dead in an alleged suicide on Thursday.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed in a statement on Saturday that the command received a distress call on July 23, 2026, at approximately 8:18 a.m. from a resident who arrived at the church premises on No. 1B Etim Inyang Street, Oron, where he usually parks his motorcycle, and noticed an unusual gathering. The resident was subsequently informed by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.

Upon receiving the report, police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene. Preliminary observations revealed that the pastor was found suspended with a twisted mosquito net rope. The scene was professionally processed, photographs were taken, and relevant exhibits were recovered to aid forensic examination and further investigation.

The body was evacuated to a hospital where a medical doctor confirmed him dead, and his remains have since been deposited at the mortuary pending an autopsy. Although preliminary findings point to a suspected suicide, the command emphasised that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and rule out every other possibility.

Worshippers and residents have expressed deep shock over the incident. A worshipper who identified herself as Imaobong Asuquo recalled, “He never showed any sign he was bothered by anyone or anything. On that eventful day, we received some disturbing news that our GO has taken his life. It started as a mere rumour, which we dismissed as another piece of fake news. But, behold, when we got to the scene, his body was already dead cold, hanging lifeless on the tree suspended with the robe tied round his neck to the tree branch.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has assured members of the public that the investigation will 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.

The commissioner 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. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring every reported incident is thoroughly investigated in the interest of justice.