CM Neiphiu Rio mourns Rev. Rüdilhou Rio, honouring his decades of pastoral service, educational contributions and lasting legacy in Botsa
DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has mourned the passing of Rev. Rüdilhou Rio, describing him as a devoted servant of God, respected spiritual leader, educator and distinguished son of the Botsa community.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, Rio said he had grown up with the deceased in Tuophema village and remembered him as an obedient child from a God-fearing family.
Rev. Rüdilhou Rio dedicated his life to Christian ministry, serving with Campus Crusade for Christ India in South India before returning to Nagaland to continue his ministry, the chief minister said.
His pastoral service included serving as pastor of Tuophe Basa Baptist Church before he joined Botsa Baptist Church in 2001, where he remained senior pastor until his death. He also served the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) in various capacities, including as its president.
Highlighting his contribution to education, Rio said Rev. Rio founded Baptist School Botsa in 1980 and served as its principal emeritus until 2025. Through his work, he helped shape generations of students, imparting academic knowledge alongside values of discipline, integrity and faith, the chief minister said.
Rio also remembered Rev. Rio as a devoted father who raised his children with care, integrity and Christian values. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family, including his son, who serves as one of the chief minister’s personal secretaries.
Describing the death as an irreparable loss, he said Rev. Rio’s legacy would endure through the congregation he shepherded, the students he nurtured and the family he raised.
The chief minister, along with his family, prayed for strength and comfort for all those mourning the loss.