The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Delta State, has announced the death of the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Chukwuma, who reportedly collapsed while delivering his homily during the New Year’s Eve Mass.
The sad development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Director of Communications of the diocese, 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,” the statement said.
It added that until his death, the 63-year-old cleric served as the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, and Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region.
Eyewitnesses said Fr. Chukwuma slumped while preaching during the New Year’s Eve Mass. He was later confirmed dead, an incident that threw the congregation and the wider Catholic community into deep mourning.
The late priest was widely respected for his pastoral commitment and leadership within the Agbor Region of the diocese.
Fr. Chukwuma hailed from Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
