ORON – Tension and apprehension have gripped residents of Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following the death of a promient cleric, Pastor Etetim Udoh, Founder and General Overseer of Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries.
Confirming the incident, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command said, it has commenced a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death, which occurred at his church premises located at No. 1B Etim Inyang Street, Oron.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, the deceased was discovered dead on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in an incident initially suspected to be suicide.
The statement revealed that the Command received a distress call at about 8:18 a.m. from a resident who reported an unusual gathering at the church premises.
The caller, who regularly parks his motorcycle at the location, said he was informed by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.
Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, where preliminary observations indicated that the cleric was found hanging with a twisted net rope.
DSP John disclosed that investigators have since commenced detailed inquiries into the incident, professionally processing the scene, taking photographs and recovering relevant exhibits for forensic examination.
She added that the body was evacuated to a hospital morgue after a medical doctor certified the cleric dead.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause and circumstances of death.
While preliminary findings point to a suspected suicide, the Police Command emphasised that investigations remain ongoing to establish all the facts and rule out any other possible causes.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, assured residents that the investigation would be thorough, impartial and professionally conducted.
He urged anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
The Police Commissioner also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified reports or engaging in speculation that could compromise investigations or create unnecessary panic.
- He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that every reported incident is diligently investigated in the interest of justice and the protection of lives and property across Akwa Ibom State
