A Catholic priest, Stephen Chukwuma, has died after collapsing on the pulpit while delivering his homily during the New Year’s Eve Mass at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in Ika North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on December 31, 2025, leaving worshippers in shock and triggering widespread grief across the Catholic community. The late priest, aged 63, was the Parish Priest of St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, 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. Born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, he 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 SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, where he completed his training in 1990.
He was ordained the same year by Anthony Gbuji, Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, and served in several parishes across Delta State, including St Brigid’s, Asaba; All Saints, Onicha-Ugbo; and St Michael’s, Ubulu-Uku.
Beyond parish duties, he held key leadership roles within the Church, serving as Rector of St Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and Dean of the St John of the Cross Spiritual Year campus, Ekpoma.
In a statement announcing his death, the Diocese expressed deep sorrow while releasing burial arrangements. The statement, signed by Charles Uganwa, Director of Communications of the Diocese, said the priest “answered God’s call to glory” on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
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. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St Paul Cathedral by 10am, after which interment will take place at the Priests’ Cemetery in Issele-Uku.
