Worshippers Shocked As Pastor Commits Suicide In A/Ibom

Gloom has enveloped the serene compound hosting the Power In The Word Of God For The World Ministries (PWGWM), located on Etim Inyang Street in Oron local government area of Akwa Ibom State following the decision of the church founder and general overseer (GO), Pastor Etetim Udo, to commit suicide, sending shock waves across the area.

A worshiper, who identified herself as Imaobong Asuquo, said the pastor never showed any sign that 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,” she 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.

According to the spokesperson, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, “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,” she stressed.