Aburial ceremony in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, turned tragic after a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Deacon Steve Eyo, reportedly collapsed and died while preaching about the certainty of death.
Eyo, the Resident Pastor of RCCG Aleto, was delivering a sermon titled “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond” before more than 300 mourners when the incident occurred.
The cleric, who was speaking passionately about the inevitability of death, reportedly warned the congregation that no one could predict when their time would come.
“Death is certain. You cannot escape it. Death is like going to the market. Some leave early, some stay till late. Some die young, some live long. But it will come when you least expect it,” he was quoted as saying.
The incident occurred at about 1:25 p.m., barely 15 minutes after he began his sermon at approximately 1:10 p.m.
In a dramatic turn of events, Eyo reportedly collapsed in the middle of his concluding remarks, just as he urged the congregation to number their days and remain prepared for death.
His microphone crashed to the floor as he fell on the podium, leaving the congregation stunned.
Initially, some mourners reportedly thought the collapse was part of a dramatic illustration of his sermon. However, the atmosphere quickly turned chaotic as it became clear that the pastor was in distress.
Congregants, choir members and fellow ministers rushed to the pulpit, shouting prayers and desperately attempting to revive him.
While some prayed over the fallen cleric, others reportedly administered first aid and performed chest compressions in an effort to save his life.
Despite the frantic rescue efforts, he could not be revived.
In an extraordinary twist, the ambulance initially arranged to transport the corpse of the deceased person being buried was reportedly used to rush the pastor to a nearby hospital.
However, medical personnel reportedly confirmed his death upon arrival, and his body was subsequently deposited in a mortuary.
Before his sudden collapse, Eyo had reportedly reminded the mourners that death was not the end of existence, stressing the importance of living wisely and preparing for the judgment that follows.
His sudden death, coming moments after delivering a sermon on mortality, left mourners and church members in deep shock.
What began as a solemn gathering to bid farewell to a loved one ended in another heartbreaking loss, as the community was confronted with the sudden death of the very man who had urged them to prepare for their own mortality.
Note: The account is based on the information provided. The reported circumstances and cause of the pastor’s death have not been independently verified.