Tragedy struck at the Church of the Brethren (EYN) Moduganari in Maiduguri, Borno State, when Reverend Alaku Vincent unexpectedly collapsed and died during a child dedication ceremony on Sunday.
Witnesses reported that he was actively participating in the event when he suddenly lost consciousness.
Despite immediate efforts to revive him, those attempts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The cause of death has not yet been officially revealed.
Grief enveloped the congregation as church members and colleagues took to social media to express their sorrow over the loss of their beloved pastor.
The District Church Secretary of Church Brethren of Nigeria, Timothy Hammajam, in a Facebook post, described the deceased as “a visionary leader with focus.”
He added, “KBC DCM 2003 graduating class will ever miss your elderly and prophetic words. May God comfort EYN and your family.”
A church member with the Facebook name Prince Malikson Papaman shared a tribute: “Just a few hours ago, he stood confidently on the altar… passionately shepherding his flock.
“His powerful message still resonates in my mind, as he emphasized the importance of family unity in worship.
“Little did I know it would be his final sermon.”
Papaman described Vincent’s departure as leaving an “unfillable void” but took comfort in the Bible’s assurance that his death is but a sleep.
He concluded, “Rest in eternal peace, Rev. Vincent Alaku. Until we meet again.”
