Police probe Oron cleric’s suspected suicide

Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched 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, with preliminary findings suggesting a suspected suicide.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said in a statement on Saturday that police received a distress call at about 8:18 am on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from a resident who reported an unusual gathering at the church premises on No.1B Etim Inyang Street, Oron.
According to the statement, the resident said he had arrived at the church, where he usually parks his motorcycle, and was informed by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.
Police operatives immediately responded to the scene and found the cleric suspended with a twisted mosquito net rope. Investigators processed the scene, took photographs and recovered relevant exhibits for forensic examination.
The body was evacuated to a hospital, where a doctor confirmed Pastor Udo dead. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary pending an autopsy.
Timfon John said that although preliminary findings point to a suspected suicide, the investigation remains ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death and rule out any other possibility.
Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare assured residents 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 cooperate with the police.
The commissioner also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information or engaging in speculation that could mislead investigators or create unnecessary public anxiety.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident while continuing to protect lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.