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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku in Delta State has confirmed the death of Rev. Fr Stephen Chukwuma, the parish priest of St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The priest was said to have died on New Year’s Eve after he reportedly slumped while delivering his homily.
Confirming the death in a statement signed by the Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr Dr Charles Uganwa, on Saturday, the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku said that the priest was called to glory on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
The statement read: “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 took place on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025.
“Until his death, he was the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, and Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region.”
The diocese also announced burial arrangements for the priest, saying Tuesday, 27 January 2026, there will be vigil Mass at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, by 5:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, 28 January 2026, the funeral Mass will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral, Issele-Uku, by 10:00 a.m., followed immediately by interment at the Priests’ Cemetery, Issele-Uku.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Rev. Fr Chukwuma, aged 63, was the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves across the Catholic community in Delta State and beyond.
The late priest hailed from Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Born on 5 June 1962 in Agbor, he began his 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 theological studies at Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he completed his training in 1990.
He was ordained the same year by Bishop Anthony Gbuji for the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.
Throughout his ministry, Rev. Fr Chukwuma 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 as Rector of St Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and Dean of the St John of the Cross Spiritual Year Campus, Ekpoma.
