Tragedy as Nigerian pastor collapses, dies during sermon at funeral in Rivers

According to PM News, the pastor, identified as Deacon Steve Eyo, served as the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Aleto.

He had been invited to minister before a congregation of more than 300 mourners gathered to bid farewell to a deceased community member.

Eyo began preaching at approximately 1:10 p.m., delivering a message titled "The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond." Drawing on everyday imagery, he likened human life to a visit to the market, noting that just as some shoppers leave early while others linger, so too do people depart this world at different times. He reportedly urged those present to "number your days and prepare, for it can happen anytime."

Around 1:25 p.m., roughly 15 minutes into the sermon, Eyo collapsed as he was concluding his address.

The scene initially created confusion among mourners, with some eyewitnesses recounting that a number of attendees believed the pastor had dropped to the ground deliberately to illustrate the sudden and unpredictable nature of death.

It quickly became apparent, however, that something was seriously wrong. Church ministers, choir members and other attendees rushed forward to help. Those present prayed for him while individuals with medical knowledge attempted to administer first aid at the scene.

Eyo was transported to a nearby medical facility in the same ambulance that had been arranged to carry the remains of the original deceased.

He was confirmed dead at the hospital, and his remains were subsequently moved to a mortuary. No specific medical cause of death was disclosed in available reports, and the precise circumstances surrounding his collapse have not been publicly established.

The incident has left the Aleto community deeply shaken. What began as a solemn occasion of mourning for one person swiftly became a second moment of grief, as the congregation found themselves confronted with the sudden loss of the minister who had just been speaking to them about mortality.