A funeral service in Rivers State reportedly took a tragic turn after an RCCG pastor collapsed while preaching.
The incident happened on Friday, October 2, in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area.
The deceased cleric was identified as Deacon Steve Eyo, a resident and pastor in the community.
Eyo had attended the funeral service as the officiating minister.
He was reportedly preaching about death and the hope of life beyond it when tragedy struck.
The sermon was titled “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond.”
During the message, the pastor reportedly reminded mourners that death is unavoidable.
He also compared death to going to the market, explaining that people leave at different times.
According to eyewitnesses, he said some people leave the market early while others stay longer.
He reportedly used the comparison to explain why people also die at different times.
However, about 15 minutes into the sermon, Eyo suddenly collapsed.
His microphone reportedly fell to the floor, drawing immediate attention from those at the service.
Some mourners initially thought the incident was part of his sermon.
That changed quickly when people realised that the pastor needed urgent help.
Church ministers and choir members reportedly gathered around him and prayed.
People with medical knowledge also reportedly tried to provide first aid.
A medical personnel later said the pastor had stopped breathing.
He was then rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency attention.
The same ambulance reportedly used to transport the funeral remains took him to the hospital.
The cleric was later pronounced dead at the hospital and moved to the mortuary.
The RCCG pastor death in Rivers has left members of the community shocked and mourning.
The incident also left mourners reflecting on the message Eyo had delivered shortly before his collapse.
His sermon had focused on the certainty of death and the hope beyond it.
