AGBOR: A Catholic priest, Reverend Father (Barr.) Stephen Chukwuma has died after collapsing on the pulpit while delivering his homily during a New Year’s Eve Mass in Delta State.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night, December 31, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in Ika North Local Government Area of the state, leaving worshippers in shock and throwing the Catholic community into mourning.
The late priest, who was 63 years old, was the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.
Rev. Fr. Chukwuma was a native of Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. He was born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor and began his religious vocation early as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
He attended Ngala Primary School and Ika Grammar School, Agbor, before entering the seminary in 1982. His priestly formation included a Spiritual Year at St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu-Remo, and studies at Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he completed his training in 1990.
He was ordained a priest in 1990 by Bishop Anthony Gbuji for the Diocese of Issele-Uku and served in several parishes across Delta State, including St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Asaba; All Saints Catholic Church, Onicha-Ugbo; and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ubulu-Uku.
He also held key leadership positions, including Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and Dean of the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Campus in Ekpoma.
The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku announced his death and burial arrangements in a statement signed by its Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Uganwa.
With total resignation to the will of God, the Bishop, priests, religious and lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku announce the call to glory of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Chukwuma, which occurred on Wednesday, December 31, 2025,” the statement said.
According to the diocese, a vigil Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, by 5pm, while the funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Issele-Uku, by 10am. Interment will follow immediately at the Priests’ Cemetery, Issele-Uku.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
