Fans React To The Death Of Gospel Musician, Eric Arubayi | @PraiseWorld_

Top Nigerian Newspaper, Punch Newspaper announced the death of Gospel Musician, Eric Arubayi on Saturday, February 12, 2017. 

The Gospel singer and 3rd runner-up at the maiden edition of the West African Idol, Eric Arubayi died at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital.

Eric is said to have fallen sick earlier in the week and was rushed to the hospital where he eventually died on Saturday. He is survived by his wife of three years, Chinonso, and a child.

Check out reactions after the announcement of his death below:

From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands our destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck us from His hand; Till He returns or calls us home, Here in the power of Christ we'll stand. #ericarubayi #gospel of #Christ we #Sing

A video posted by Ijeoma Ozichi Omotade (@ozichisings) on Feb 12, 2017 at 11:29am PST

#RIP #EricArubayi . May God comfort & give us and ur family the strength to bear ur loss @ericarubayi 🙏🏾

A video posted by Oye Akideinde (@oyeakd) on Feb 11, 2017 at 3:05pm PST

Tributes to #EricArubayi

A photo posted by BellaNaija (@bellanaijaonline) on Feb 12, 2017 at 1:41am PST

Tributes to #ericarubayi From @uchennaji - Eric! Eric!! Eric !!! We have tried rejecting this news since yesterday, waiting & HOPING for you to just wake up from this deep SLEEP so you may continue with your LIFE's journey , but waking up this MORNING to find out our close FRIENDS have waited all night for you to ARISE but you OBVIOUSLY prefer the OTHER side to this MADNESS we call Earth . Eric it's just been 10yrs friendship,dating back the day Yourself ,Timi , Omawunmi and other walked into our little Maryland OUCHlet after the white West African Idols Toyota bus dropped you guys off at mine for STYLING. since then we have all chased our hustle , The distractions were much to do other Genres of MUSIC but you said you just wanted to WORSHIP God with your music. We progressed from Bachelorhood and became husband and then FATHERS. Eric you need to see the way Jayden looks at my daughter Ophelia whenever Nonso your beautiful and pleasant wife brings him over to our house. Eric it was only you who kept reminding and HARASSING me that I can't let my musical gift just slide and which we always laughed over it, Eric I still remember late 2015 when you called me up on stage to do a song along with you...So we won't share such moment again? 😳😳😳 ? we never had the opportunity to have that PHOTOSHOOT for OUCH...would I easily forgive myself for been too busy to make that happen? Journey well my brother and FRIEND. But wait...Would MALARIA have snatched Eric from us at such a young Age in a Delta-state Hospital if PUBLIC officials didn't STEAL the monies, but had JUDICIOUSLY used such funds provided to make available BASIC and GOOD MEDICARE in that state for that purpose? #Olorisupergal

A photo posted by olorisupergal (@olorisupergal) on Feb 12, 2017 at 12:31am PST

Rest in peace dear one.... You lived well.... Enjoy the sights and the view of the Heavenlies... See you on the resurrection morning 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 #ericarubayi #ericarubayiliveson @Regrann from @officialenkay - On air this morning bright and early talking about giving back in this season of love . It's all about #4OurChildren charity concert with our family @cerebralpalsycenter. Hanging out with my brother @ericarubayi and our host @ayothompson .Tune in guys!@nigeriainfolagos 99.3FM - #regrann

A photo posted by Enkay (@officialenkay) on Feb 12, 2017 at 11:21am PST

I am weak, heart broken, shocked, sad and totally lost for words! Actually scared...Last we spoke was 2nd week in Jan and you harassed Moses and I and we promised to come over to the house and never did... Today you are gone and never coming back??? I am a worshipper beyond all the all things and when Eric leads worship, you literally feel God's presence. What a gem! What a persona! What a man!!! Eric may you rest in the blossom of the Lord! RIP 💔💔💔💔 #EricArubayi #RIP

A photo posted by Efe Tommy (@efetommyoflife) on Feb 11, 2017 at 3:54pm PST

Immediately after this shoot I and @ericarubayi had a brief discussion .He asked for my IG handle just to checkout my works and also follow me ,after going tru my page he said "Ayo! How come u have few pictures on ur page,make sure u post all my pictures when the images re ready" ,but I didn't ....Now,I want to post all ur pics ,it's sad u re not here to double tap Eric...We will all leave this world at some point ,we know it is inevitable, we still feel pain when a loved one passes away. However, we know that one day we too will leave this world and meet once again with all our loved ones. #ericarubayi #ericarubayi💔 #alasistudios

A photo posted by Ayo Alasi (@ayoalasi) on Feb 12, 2017 at 4:22am PST

My God!!! 😨it's times like this that we have to be grateful for God's mercy and grace in our lives. We are no better. RIP #ericarubayi! I hope you're in a better place. Let's remember to pause and with a heart full of gratitude, say "thank you Lord" 🙏🏾🙏🏾

A video posted by Mirabelpfame (@mirabellalah) on Feb 11, 2017 at 3:56pm PST

Saw his pictures yesterday on Instagram and thought it was his birthday.... Until I opened one on @bellanaijaonline and I screamed..... What I know him? He sang at #TE11 Yes na he led the worship... Why....how...what? But then this is my consolation (',') 1 Thessalonians 4 Vs 13 - 18 13 "For I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen ASLEEP, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope". 14 " For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus". 15 "For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep".. 16 " FOR THE LORD HIMSELF WILL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN, WITH A SHOUT, WITH THE VOICE OF AN ARCHANGEL, AND WITH THE TRUMPET OF GOD. AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST WILL RISE FIRST 17 "then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet with the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord... 18 "Therefore comfort one another with these words.... Sleep on #Eric you made JESUS known in your own time.... Continue to sing with the Angels in Heaven.....#EricArubayi #ItIsWell

A photo posted by Ochouba Chidinma (@ochouba_chidinma) on Feb 13, 2017 at 12:05am PST

Still wish this is not true. No right words. But the pain is so deep. Hurts to think an amiable fired up passionate young handsome #Ericarubayi that was so inspirational with regards to the Gospel of Christ is no more. But you will forever live in our hearts. I pray the Lord strengthen your family. It is well ! It is well. Goodnight @Ericarubayi. It is well.

A photo posted by tessy biobaku (@tessybio) on Feb 12, 2017 at 11:20pm PST

Speechless... Journey well Bro @ericarubayi #ericarubayi #riperic

A video posted by Esther (@esthy_collections) on Feb 12, 2017 at 10:44pm PST

Just like an angel....this is the image that comes to my mind when I think of where you are now The world has lost a great man But heaven welcomes a son home RIP Eric @ericarubayi Thank you for your unique sound and inspiring life You are with our Lord now #RIP #ericarubayi #sad #heavenbound @pitasings @timidakolo @iamphilz @pastormildred @chinonsoarubayi rejoice for he is home

A photo posted by King Harris Mexes (@iammexes) on Feb 12, 2017 at 10:42pm PST

Rip sir @ericarubayi Rest well in Heaven #ericarubayi gospel Artist 😩😭 West African idol third runner up in which time dakolo won!

A photo posted by Engr Synclair Amarahobu (@mnw_i) on Feb 12, 2017 at 10:35pm PST

I know you are in heaven doing what you loved to do, singing. Continue to sing with the angels @ericarubayi until the resurrection morning, good night. #ericarubayi #ericarubayi

A photo posted by Dorcas (@dorcasdaudu) on Feb 12, 2017 at 9:58pm PST

Dear Eric, I know I didn't get to know you while you were alive but the news of your death is really piercing. I see posts on what your life was like, a kind, humble and dedicated believer of our saviour Jesus Christ and I'm sure you won souls for Christ through your music and lifestyle.Your light won't stop shining now that you are physically gone but will continue to draw people closer and closer to Christ. May God continue to console your family and those who were blessed enough to gain your acquaintance. RIP #ericarubayi

A photo posted by Ada Oluchi (@ruoxi_ada) on Feb 12, 2017 at 9:53pm PST

I follow gospel music. This is indeed a great loss. #ericarubayi 😔

A photo posted by Kuyick ♥ (@deinde_adeoye) on Feb 12, 2017 at 9:26pm PST

#RIP #ericarubayi 😢

A video posted by Odiri Samede (@odikko1) on Feb 12, 2017 at 8:54pm PST

The heaven rejoice as you ascend to meet the God of all God. #RIP #ericarubayi

A photo posted by Odiri Samede (@odikko1) on Feb 12, 2017 at 8:50pm PST

#Tribute to a #great #man In #memory of a #great #man, my #friend and #brother. #ericarubayi I #personally know only a few men with a bigger heart than Eric!! I will always admire your #loyalty!! #R.I.P my brother, my brother!! You have left me to grow beards alone #fact to those who 'know @ericarubayi reach house!!! Na dem know!!' From #ABK to #42, #45, to #67!! I salute you sir

A photo posted by The tech artist (@ulyogwah) on Feb 12, 2017 at 5:37pm PST

#Repost @oyeakd with @repostapp ・・・ #RIP #EricArubayi . May God comfort & give ur family the strength to bear ur loss @ericarubayi 🙏🏾

A video posted by Amet tv (@amet_tv) on Feb 12, 2017 at 5:35pm PST

#Repost @bonanaijatv with @repostapp ・・・ Saying RIP to the dead. One choice we can't rationally make is to die..@Regrann from @diaryofanaijagirl - This is so sad. RIP #ericarubayi . Such an amazing talent who just wanted to sing for God. May God bless and keep those he left behind. 🙏 . Word is, He ingested expired malaria drugs which led to liver failure and put him in a coma. Be careful out there guys - #regrann

A video posted by Amet tv (@amet_tv) on Feb 12, 2017 at 5:33pm PST

Can spot him (@ericarubayi ) right there... He might just be leading the worship too right there (in heaven) as a guest from earth, who has just changed residence. In FRONT ROLE TENOR LIKE @timidakolo has said. #rip #EricArubayi

A photo posted by gospelrhythmz (@gospelrhythmz) on Feb 12, 2017 at 4:46pm PST

RIP #ericarubayi 😭😭😭😭

A photo posted by Stephanie Kome (@stephaniekome) on Feb 12, 2017 at 4:44pm PST

#RIP #ericarubayi.... Rest on in the bossom of your creator

A video posted by Tlarge (@tlarge1612) on Feb 12, 2017 at 4:20pm PST

As I thought of Eric Arubayi for like the 100th time today I remembered this scene from the movie #heavenisforreal where the angels sang what was probably the most beautiful song I'd ever heard. I believe that's where Eric is - in Heaven; singing and probably hitting higher notes than ever before🎤. It's amazing to think how many lives he touched, mine included. He was kind, funny, perceptive, understanding, and tho the shock still lingers it is no small measure of comfort to know that he is in a better place. Sing on Eric. #restinpeace #ericarubayi #eric

A photo posted by Tori (@iam_queentori) on Feb 12, 2017 at 3:26pm PST

Tributes to #EricArubayi #ericarubayi💔 #RIP. #JDPtv

A photo posted by JD PromotionsTv (@jdpromotionstv) on Feb 12, 2017 at 3:15pm PST

@ericarubayi Bruv! You helped me find strength that Day when you whispered those words man! Hurts to say bye cuz we didn't get to do the things we said we would! You came you #Loved you #Lived and you #Worshipped... So I Won't be saying Goodbye though... cuz we will meet again on That Day! #heavenCelebratesYou #earthwavesyouon #ericarubayi #rip #eternity #purposedrivenlife #ripericarubayi #instagramlagos

A photo posted by Ambassage (@iamandysage) on Feb 12, 2017 at 2:21pm PST