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Worshippers at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, Ika North Local Government Area of Delta State, were thrown into shock on Tuesday night, December 31, 2025, when Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwuma, the Parish Priest, collapsed while delivering his homily during the New Year’s Eve Mass and later passed away.
Ejes Gist News reports that the sudden incident, which occurred during a highly attended service, has sent ripples of grief across the Catholic community in Delta State and beyond. Parishioners described a scene of panic and disbelief as the priest fell mid-sermon, with medical personnel on-site attempting to provide immediate assistance before he was pronounced dead.
Circumstances of the Collapse
Eyewitnesses said Rev. Fr. Chukwuma, aged 63, appeared well and energetic at the start of the Mass. He was midway through delivering his homily when he suddenly slumped forward, prompting cries of alarm from the congregation. Despite immediate attempts to revive him by both church staff and emergency responders, the priest could not be saved.
Local sources within the Diocese confirmed that no prior warning of illness was known, and the collapse came unexpectedly during a moment of worship. Ejes Gist News gathered that medical teams at the church and surrounding area were mobilised, but the priest’s passing was officially confirmed on-site.
Life and Ministry of Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma
The late priest was the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku. Born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, Delta State, Rev. Fr. Chukwuma hailed from Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area. His vocation began early as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
He received his primary and secondary education at 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 multiple parishes, including St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Asaba; All Saints Catholic Church, Onicha-Ugbo; and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ubulu-Uku. He also held leadership roles as Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and Dean of the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Campus, Ekpoma.
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Official Announcement by the Diocese
The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku confirmed the passing 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 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 described the loss as deeply felt across its parishes, reflecting Rev. Fr. Chukwuma’s decades of pastoral service and leadership.
Funeral and Burial Arrangements
The Diocese has released the schedule for public mourning:
- Tuesday, January 27, 2026: Vigil Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, by 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026: Funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Issele-Uku, by 10:00 a.m., immediately followed by interment at the Priests’ Cemetery, Issele-Uku.
The statement concluded:
“May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Community Reaction and Legacy
Rev. Fr. Chukwuma’s sudden death elicited an outpouring of grief from parishioners, clergy colleagues, and the broader Catholic community. Worshippers present during the Mass described the event as “a moment of profound shock and sorrow.”
Colleagues highlighted his mentorship of young priests, commitment to pastoral care, and contributions to seminary education as hallmarks of his ministry. Ejes Gist News gathered that many faithful have taken to social media to share tributes, reflecting the widespread respect he commanded.
His passing during the delivery of Mass—the central act of his vocation—has amplified the impact of the loss, marking a solemn moment in the Diocese’s history.
What you should Know
Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwuma’s death during New Year’s Eve Mass is a sudden and tragic loss to the Catholic Church in Delta State. His decades of service, leadership in parish and seminary roles, and dedication to spiritual formation leave a lasting legacy.
The upcoming funeral services provide an opportunity for clergy, laity, and the wider Catholic community to honour his life and ministry. The Diocese continues to call for prayers for the repose of his soul, highlighting his lifelong commitment to the Church and its faithful.
