The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced a full-scale 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 was found dead inside his church premises.
The Command disclosed that the incident was reported on Thursday, July 23, 2026, prompting police operatives to immediately visit the scene and begin preliminary investigations into the tragic development.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the police said they received a distress call at about 8:18 a.m. from a resident who reported an unusual situation at the church located at No. 1B Etim Inyang Street in Oron.
According to the statement, the resident, who regularly parks his motorcycle within the church premises, became suspicious after noticing an unusual gathering of people when he arrived that morning.
Upon making enquiries, he was reportedly informed by the deceased cleric’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.
Following the report, officers from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command were immediately deployed to the location to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the police, preliminary findings at the scene indicated that Pastor Udo was found hanging inside the church auditorium.
The statement explained that investigators discovered the cleric suspended with a twisted mosquito-net rope, prompting officers to secure the scene and commence a detailed forensic assessment.
“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 read.
It further explained that the distress report received by the Command came from a resident who had arrived at the church as part of his normal routine.
“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,” the statement added.
The police said detectives professionally processed the scene in line with standard investigative procedures.
According to the Command, crime scene investigators documented the area, took photographs, and recovered relevant exhibits that may assist forensic experts in determining the exact circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death.
“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 statement noted.
The police further disclosed that Pastor Udo’s body was evacuated from the scene and taken to a hospital, where the attending medical doctor confirmed him dead.
His remains have since been deposited at a mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted as part of the ongoing 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 said.
While the police acknowledged information suggesting that the cleric may have taken his own life, the Command stressed that investigations remain ongoing to establish the full facts surrounding the incident.
Authorities said forensic analysis, witness interviews and other investigative procedures would be carried out to determine whether any other circumstances contributed to the death.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation or the circulation of unverified information while investigations continue.
The Command assured residents that every necessary step would be taken to uncover the facts surrounding the incident and that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
