The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of the Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries, Oron, Pastor Etetim Udo, who is suspected to have died by suicide.
In a statement, 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 reported noticing an unusual gathering upon arriving at the church premises, where he normally parks his motorcycle.
According to the resident, he was informed by the pastor’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.
Police officers immediately responded to the scene, where preliminary findings indicated that the cleric was found hanging inside the church with a twisted mosquito-net rope.
Investigators processed the scene, took photographs and recovered relevant exhibits for forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
The pastor’s body was taken to a hospital, where the attending doctor confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited at a mortuary pending an autopsy.
The statement read in part:
“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.
“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.
“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 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.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, reaching out to a trusted friend, family member or a local mental health professional or crisis service can help.
