A burial ceremony at Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, turned tragic on Thursday when a resident pastor of the Redeemed Church, Deacon Steve Eyo, reportedly collapsed and died while preaching on the certainty of death, Africa Update has learnt.
Eyo was delivering a sermon titled “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond” before more than 300 mourners when the incident occurred, leaving the congregation in shock.
Eyewitnesses said the pastor began his message at about 1:10 p.m., urging those present to live with the awareness that death could come at any moment.
Illustrating the unpredictability of death, Eyo reportedly compared life to a visit to the market, where some people leave early while others stay longer. Similarly, he explained, some people die young while others live to an advanced age.
He urged the congregation to reflect on the brevity of life, prepare for eternity and live wisely. However, in a heartbreaking twist, the pastor suddenly collapsed at about 1:25 p.m. while concluding his sermon.
His microphone reportedly fell to the ground with a loud sound, initially leaving some mourners confused, as they thought his collapse might have been part of his illustration about the suddenness of death.
When it became apparent that he was in distress, church ministers, choir members and other attendees rushed to his assistance.
He was reportedly taken to the back of the venue, where prayers were offered, while individuals with medical knowledge attempted to administer first aid.
Despite the efforts, his condition reportedly deteriorated, and he was subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital in an ambulance initially engaged to convey the remains of the deceased to the burial venue.
He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, and his body was deposited in the mortuary. The cause of his sudden collapse and death was not immediately known.
What has made the incident particularly poignant is the striking connection between the subject of his final sermon and the circumstances of his death.
According to eyewitnesses, Eyo had reminded the congregation that death was not the end, but that judgment followed thereafter.
His final words reportedly carried a solemn warning to those gathered: “Number your days and prepare, for it can happen anytime.”
Moments later, the preacher himself collapsed. The tragic incident has left mourners and members of the community struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a pastor whose final message was a reminder of life’s uncertainty and the need to live purposefully.
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