RCCG Pastor Collapses and Dies While Preaching at Funeral in Rivers State

A Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor, Deacon Steve Eyo, collapsed and died while delivering a sermon at a funeral service in Aleto community, Eleme, Rivers State, on Friday, October 2. The incident left residents and church members in shock and mourning. Eyo, who was the officiating minister at the funeral, was preaching on the topic "The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond." Eyewitnesses said he told mourners that death is certain and unavoidable, describing it as being like a trip to the market where some people leave early and others stay until late. He noted that some people die early while others live longer, and that death can come when least expected. About 15 minutes into his sermon, the cleric suddenly fell, and the microphone he was holding landed on the floor with a loud sound. Initially, some attendees thought he was demonstrating how suddenly death can occur, given the subject of his message, but it soon became clear that the situation was serious. He was quickly carried to the back while the church choir and ministers gathered around him in prayer. Individuals with medical knowledge administered first aid. One of them later said his breathing had stopped. He was rushed to the nearest hospital in the same ambulance that had been hired to carry the remains of the deceased. At the hospital, the cleric was confirmed dead and his body was taken to the mortuary.