BREAKING: Watch: RCCG Pastor Collapses, Dies While Preaching About Death at Funeral
Residents of Aleto in Eleme, Rivers State, and members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) community in the area have been thrown into shock and mourning following the sudden death of the church’s Resident Pastor, Deacon Steve Eyo.
Pastor Eyo reportedly collapsed while preaching at a burial ceremony in the area on Thursday and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The pastor was preaching on the topic, “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond.”
During the sermon, he reportedly said death was certain and could not be avoided, adding that everyone would eventually pass through it.
He likened death to going to the market, explaining that while some people leave the market early, others stay until late. In the same way, he said, some people die early while others live longer.
Pastor Eyo began the sermon at about 1:10 p.m., telling mourners that the burial ceremony was a reminder that death is not the end, as judgment comes after death.
He also encouraged those present to number their days and live wisely, warning that death could come when least expected.
His final words were reportedly: “Number your days and prepare, for it can happen anytime.”
About 15 minutes into the sermon, Pastor Eyo suddenly collapsed, with the microphone falling to the floor with a loud sound.
Some people initially thought he was demonstrating how suddenly death could occur, given that he had been speaking about death moments earlier. However, it soon became clear that he was experiencing a medical emergency.
He was quickly taken to the back of the church, where choir members and ministers gathered around him and prayed. People with medical knowledge also reportedly administered first aid.
A medical personnel later observed that the pastor had stopped breathing.
He was subsequently rushed to the nearest hospital in the same ambulance that had been hired to transport the remains of the deceased whose burial service was taking place.
At the hospital, Pastor Eyo was reportedly confirmed dead and his body was taken to the mortuary.
His sudden death has left members of the church and residents of the community in shock.
