A funeral service in Rivers State turned tragic after a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor suddenly collapsed and died while delivering a sermon on the certainty of death.
Deacon Steve Eyo was preaching at a funeral service in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area, on Friday, October 2, when he suddenly fell ill and collapsed before a stunned congregation.
The cleric had been invited to officiate at the funeral and was delivering a sermon titled “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond.”
According to eyewitnesses, Eyo told mourners that death is inevitable and can come at any time.
He reportedly likened life to going to a market, explaining that while some people leave early and others stay until later, everyone eventually has to leave.
He also reportedly warned the congregation that death often comes unexpectedly.
But about 15 minutes into the sermon, the pastor himself suddenly collapsed, sending shockwaves through the gathering.
The microphone fell to the ground with a loud bang, initially leaving some mourners believing the dramatic fall could have been part of his sermon.
It soon became apparent, however, that the situation was a medical emergency.
Church ministers and choir members rushed to his aid and moved him to the back of the venue, where prayers were offered as people with medical knowledge attempted to provide first aid.
A medical responder later reportedly observed that the pastor had stopped breathing.
He was immediately placed in an ambulance and rushed to the nearest hospital.
In a tragic twist, the ambulance had earlier been hired to transport the body of the deceased whose funeral service Eyo had been attending.
Despite the efforts to save him, the pastor was pronounced dead at the hospital. His body was subsequently taken to the mortuary.
The incident left mourners grappling with the stark message of the sermon itself: that death can occur without warning, even at moments when life appears to be continuing normally.
Eyo’s sudden death has since left residents of Aleto and members of the RCCG community in shock, with the funeral service turning into an unexpected mourning ground for both the deceased whose life was being celebrated and the pastor who had come to deliver a message of hope beyond death.
