Tragedy struck at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, as the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma, slumped and died while delivering a homily.
The 63-year-old priest reportedly collapsed during his sermon at the New Year’s Eve Mass and was later confirmed dead.
Until his sudden demise, Fr. Chukwuma was the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, and also served as the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.
The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku formally announced his death and released details of his burial arrangements. The late cleric was from Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement signed by the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Uganwa, the Diocese said the priest passed on Wednesday, December 31, 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.
“Until his death, he was the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, and the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region.”
According to the Diocese, a Vigil Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, by 5:00 p.m.
This will be followed by the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Issele-Uku, by 10:00 a.m., after which the late priest will be laid to rest at the Priests’ Cemetery in Issele-Uku.
The statement concluded with a prayer for the repose of his soul.
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