Shock in Eleme as RCCG Deacon Dies Mid-Sermon at Funeral Service

Residents of Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State have been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) minister, Deacon Steve Eyo, who reportedly collapsed while preaching at a funeral service.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a funeral attended by the cleric, who was delivering a sermon titled “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond.”

According to eyewitness accounts, Eyo was speaking about the inevitability of death when he suddenly collapsed, sending shock waves through the gathering.

During the sermon, the cleric reportedly told mourners that death was unavoidable and could come at any time. He compared life to a visit to the market, explaining that some people leave early while others stay longer, just as some people die young while others live to an old age.

However, about 15 minutes into his message, Eyo suddenly fell to the ground, causing his microphone to hit the floor with a loud sound.

Some mourners initially thought the collapse was part of his illustration about how unexpectedly death could occur. They soon realised the situation was serious.

The cleric was reportedly taken to the back of the venue as church ministers, choir members and other attendees gathered around him to pray. People with medical knowledge also attempted to administer first aid.

One person involved in the response reportedly observed that Eyo had stopped breathing.

He was subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital in the ambulance that had been hired to transport the remains of the deceased person whose funeral was being held.

The hospital later pronounced him dead, and his remains were taken to the mortuary.

The circumstances surrounding the cleric’s sudden collapse have not been independently established, and no official cause of death was provided in the report.

Eyo’s death has left members of the church and residents of Aleto community mourning the minister, whose final sermon centred on the certainty of death and the hope beyond it.