By SUNDAY BASSEY

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom, has commenced comprehensive investigation into the alleged circumstances surrounding the death of a cleric, Etetim Udo, In the state.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, said this in a statement in Uyo on Saturday.

John disclosed that the deceased was the Founder and General Overseer of “Power in the Word of God for the World Ministries” Oron, Akwa Ibom.

According to her, the command received a distress report from a resident who said that upon arriving at the church premises, where he usually park his motorcycle, on July 23, at about 8:18 a.m., he noticed an unusual gathering

“He said he was subsequently informed by the deceased’s children that their father had allegedly taken his own life.”

The PPRO said that operatives of the command immediately mobilised to the scene following the report.

She added that preliminary observations revealed that the deceased was found suspended with a twisted mosquito net rope.

John said the scene was professionally processed by investigators, with photographs were taken, and relevant exhibits 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, though preliminary findings point to a case of suspected suicide,” she said.

She said the command wished to emphasised that investigations were ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and rule out every other possibility.

She quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, as assuring members of the public that the investigation would be thorough, impartial, and professionally conducted.

Azare appealed to anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to come forward and cooperate with the police.

He urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of misleading the investigation or causing unnecessary public anxiety.

He reassured that the command remained committed to ensuring that every reported incident was thoroughly investigated in the interest of justice, while continuing to protect lives and property across the state. (NAN)

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