Aleto Residents Mourn RCCG Pastor Eyo Who Slumped, Died While Preaching

Residents of Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State have described the late Deacon Steve Eyo, pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Glorious People Assembly, Aleto, as a father figure and peacemaker who touched many lives in the community.

Eyo slumped and died last Friday while preaching at the funeral service of a female member of his church.

When LEADERSHIP visited the church on Sunday morning, normal service was ongoing, with the service presided over by a man believed to be the late pastor’s assistant.

However, the usually joyous atmosphere associated with Sunday worship was absent, as the congregation of about 30 people appeared visibly mournful.

Members of the late pastor’s family and the church declined to speak with LEADERSHIP about his death.

His son, who identified himself as Godwin, said the family did not want to involve the media in the matter.

However, a resident of Aleto, Osaro John, told LEADERSHIP that he first met Eyo through his wife and that the late pastor continued to play a fatherly role in his life until his death.

“I came to know Pastor through my wife. When I moved into the community, he was the one who came to dedicate the house. When I had accommodation problems, he provided shelter for me.

“He was preparing for me to travel to Lagos to see Pastor Adeboye. We met on Thursday to finalise everything and by Friday afternoon, he was dead. We have lost a father in this community,” John said.

Another resident, Cynthia Goba, expressed disbelief over Eyo’s sudden death, describing him as a peacemaker who was well known among residents.

Goba said, “It is unfortunate that Pastor left this way. We have lost a father and a peacemaker. He was a very cheerful man, who knew everyone in the community by name.”