One Joy Owoyele collapsed and died during 14-days fasting held at Christ Apostolic Church in Isheri Olofin area of Lagos State.
The Owoyele family disclosed that Joy had sought spiritual help regarding her matrimonial challenges and was said to have been placed on 14-day fasting and prayer. Still, things took a turn for the worse on the 10th day, as the victim collapsed and was dead on arrival at the hospital.
The resident pastor, Alfred Sunday, disclosed that Owoyele lost consciousness and collapsed after the morning prayers inside the church; she was rushed to the Igando General Hospital for treatment, adding that she died in the process.
He said: “Her daughter, Oluwatise, was also with her in the church during the spiritual exercise, and they always slept together. The incident happened around 7 am. I was praying on the altar when one of the church members informed me that she had passed out.
When I moved closer to assess her, I observed that she could not stand up, and when I called her name, she answered faintly. We had to rush her to the Igando General Hospital for treatment, but she died.”
The pastor stated, “When I reported the incident, the police took my statement and that of the victim’s daughter. But the General Overseer and I were detained for three days, and the police also visited the church to conduct an investigation.
He further disclosed that after the incident, anyone embarking on fasting and prayer in the church must break with pap instead of honey and water that was usually used. Anyone who refused won’t be allowed to embark on the spiritual exercise in the church.
Joy Owoyele remains will be conveyed from Yaba General Hospital mortuary to her hometown in Ekiti State for the burial rites.
