The Catholic community in Delta State is in mourning following the sudden death of a senior priest during a church service. Reverend Father Stephen Chukwuma collapsed and died while delivering his homily at a New Year's Eve Mass.
A Tragic Collapse at the Pulpit
The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, 31st December, 2025. Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwuma, the Parish Priest of St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Boji-Boji Agbor, was speaking from the pulpit when he suddenly slumped. Worshippers attending the Mass were stunned as the event unfolded, sending immediate shockwaves through the congregation and the wider community.
The 63-year-old cleric, who also served as the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region within the Issele-Uku Diocese, could not be revived. His passing marks a profound loss for the diocese where he served for decades.
Life and Service of a Dedicated Priest
Born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, Stephen Chukwuma's journey in the church began early. He first served as an altar server at the very church where he would later become parish priest, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
His educational path took him through Ngala Primary School and Ika Grammar School in Agbor. He answered the call to priesthood, entering the seminary in 1982. His formation included:
- The Spiritual Year at St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu-Remo.
- Priestly studies at SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary in Bodija, Ibadan, completing his training in 1990.
He was ordained a priest in 1990 by Bishop Anthony Gbuji for the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku. Father Chukwuma's service spanned several parishes across Delta State, including St. Brigid’s in Asaba, All Saints in Onicha-Ugbo, and St. Michael’s in Ubulu-Uku.
Beyond parish duties, he held significant leadership roles. He served as the Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary in Ejeme-Aniogor and as the Dean of the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year campus in Ekpoma. He was a native of Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Diocese Announces Burial Arrangements
The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku officially confirmed the priest's passing in a statement signed by its Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Uganwa. The statement expressed "total resignation to the will of God" on behalf of the Bishop, priests, religious, and lay faithful.
It read: "Until his death, he was the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor and Regional Vicar of Agbor Region."
The diocese has released the following burial arrangements for the late priest:
Tuesday, 27th January, 2026: A Vigil Mass will be held at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, beginning at 5pm.
Wednesday, 28th January, 2026: The Funeral Mass is scheduled to take place at St. Paul's Cathedral in Issele-Uku by 10am.
Interment will follow immediately after the funeral mass at the Priest's Cemetery within the Issele-Uku diocese premises. The community is expected to gather in large numbers to pay their final respects to a priest who dedicated his life to serving God and his people.
