The Catholic community in Delta State is in mourning following the sudden death of a prominent priest, Reverend Father Stephen Chukwuma, who collapsed and died while delivering a homily on New Year's Eve.
Priest Slumps During New Year's Eve Mass
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Boji-Boji Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area. The 63-year-old priest, who was serving as the Parish Priest and Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region, was in the middle of his sermon when he suddenly slumped.
Despite immediate efforts to assist him, Father Chukwuma was later confirmed dead. The news sent shockwaves through the congregation and the wider Catholic community in Delta State.
Diocese Confirms the Tragic Loss
The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku officially announced the priest's passing in a statement signed by the Director of Communications, Very Reverend Father Dr. Charles Uganwa. The statement expressed the diocese's "total resignation to the will of God" in announcing the call to glory of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Chukwuma.
Until his untimely death, Father Chukwuma was a key figure in the diocese, holding the dual roles of Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, and Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region. He hailed from Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Burial Arrangements Announced
The diocese has released the schedule for the final rites of the late priest. A Vigil Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Agbor.
This will be followed by a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Issele-Uku. The service will be immediately followed by interment at the Priests’ Cemetery within the cathedral premises in Issele-Uku.
The diocese concluded its announcement with a prayer for the repose of his soul: "May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen."
This incident is a sobering reminder of similar tragedies within the clergy. In a separate event, a priest in Cameroon also reportedly slumped and died while preaching a homily. Furthermore, Legit.ng had earlier reported the death of another Catholic priest, Reverend Father Anthony Udogu, who collapsed and died while playing lawn tennis in Awka, Anambra State.
The sudden passing of Reverend Father Stephen Chukwuma has left a significant void in the Issele-Uku Diocese and the Agbor community, where he was a respected spiritual leader and shepherd.
