Worshippers Shocked As Pastor Commits Suicide In Akwa Ibom , Police Launch Probe

Gloom has enveloped the serene compound hosting the Power In The Word Of God For The World Ministries (PWGWM), located on 1,(B), Etim Inyang Street, Oron local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

This, LEADERSHIP learnt, followed the gruesome incident of the Church Founder and General Overseer (GO), Pastor Etetim Udo’s final decision to allegedly end his life via suicide, sending shock waves across the area.

“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,” a worshiper, who identified herself as Imaobong Asuquo, recalled.

Although some residents and worshippers expressed shock and suspected foul play, the police has vowed to get to the bottom of the sad incident.

The Spokesman of the State Command, DSP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident at the weekend, said “the 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. 1 (B), Etim Inyang Street, Oron.”

She recalled that “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.”

The complainant, DSP John stated, was said to have been 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 serving as the suicide rope.

“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 medical doctor on duty confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited at the mortuary pending the conduct of an autopsy.

“Although preliminary findings point to a case of suspected suicide, the Command wishes to emphasise that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and rule out every other possibility.,” she explained.

However, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, DSP disclosed , “has assured members of the public that the investigation would be thorough, impartial, and professionally conducted.,” and appealed to anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to come forward and cooperate with the Police.

“The Commissioner of Police 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 remains committed to ensuring that every reported incident is thoroughly investigated in the interest of justice while continuing to protect lives and property across the state,” she stressed.