Akwa Ibom pastor Runcie Mike dies hours after officiating funeral service

Akwa Ibom pastor Runcie Mike

The Evening Church in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital has been thrown into mourning following the death of its senior pastor Runcie Mike.

Mike is said to have died barely 24 hours after officiating the funeral service of one of his members, Joy Ekpenyong who was 36 years old.

The cleric, whose church is located at the Shopping Mall, Tropicana Centre, Uyo died on Saturday in Uyo after a brief illness.

The leadership of the church confirmed the development.

“In this time of grief, we enjoin the body of Christ to hold us up in prayers and most especially, His immediate family,” the church said.

Members of the church and friends of the late preacher have taken to social media to express their pain.

Posting a video of Mike at the funeral service on Friday, Debbie Iteh said: “I’ve never seen an officiating Minister weeping this hard before during a funeral service of one of his church members whom he buried yesterday (Friday).

“When I saw this video yesterday, I felt this man had something running through his mind at the moment that could make him so emotional, today the sadden news of his dead hit social media. Same person officiated a burial yesterday? died today?

“People are really going through a lot but can’t open up to even the closet people around them. God please show Mercy. Rest On Pastor Runcie Mike God bless your soul.”

Mike is survived by a wife and two children.