Shock and grief swept through the Catholic community in Delta State on Wednesday night as a senior priest, Reverend Father (Barrister) Stephen Chukwuma, collapsed on the pulpit and died 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.
The tragic incident occurred on 31 December 2025, moments into the homily, before a congregation gathered to usher in the New Year with prayers and thanksgiving. Worshippers were reportedly stunned as the 63 year old priest suddenly slumped while preaching, bringing the solemn liturgy to an abrupt and distressing halt.
Immediate efforts were made to revive him, and he was reportedly rushed for medical attention. However, all attempts to save his life proved unsuccessful. News of his passing spread quickly through Agbor and beyond, triggering an outpouring of grief across parishes in Delta State and the wider Catholic faithful.
Until his death, Reverend Father Stephen Chukwuma served as 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. He was widely respected for his pastoral commitment, intellectual depth and administrative experience, having served the Church in various capacities for over three decades.
Born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, the late priest hailed from Akumazi Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. His journey into priesthood began at a very young age. As a boy, he served as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the same parish where he would later serve as parish priest and where he breathed his last while carrying out his sacred duty.
He received his early education at Ngala Primary School and later attended Ika Grammar School, Agbor. Driven by a strong sense of vocation, he entered the seminary in 1982, beginning a lifelong commitment to the service of God and humanity.
His priestly formation included a Spiritual Year at St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu Remo, followed by philosophical and theological studies at Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan. He successfully completed his priestly training in 1990 and was ordained the same year by the then Bishop of Issele Uku Diocese, Most Reverend Anthony Gbuji.
Following his ordination, Reverend Father Chukwuma dedicated himself fully to pastoral ministry, serving in several parishes across Delta State. His assignments included St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Asaba; All Saints Catholic Church, Onicha Ugbo; and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ubulu Uku, among others. In each of these parishes, he was remembered for his strong preaching, disciplined leadership and deep concern for the spiritual and social wellbeing of his parishioners.
Beyond parish work, the late priest also held key leadership and academic positions within the diocese. He served as Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme Aniogor, where he played a major role in the formation of young seminarians preparing for priesthood. He was also appointed Dean of the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Campus in Ekpoma, further underscoring the confidence reposed in him by the diocesan authorities.
In addition to his clerical responsibilities, Reverend Father Chukwuma was also known for his legal background, having been addressed with the title “Barrister,” a reflection of his intellectual versatility and engagement with broader societal issues. Colleagues and parishioners often described him as principled, forthright and deeply committed to justice, discipline and pastoral care.
The Catholic Diocese of Issele Uku formally announced his death and burial arrangements in a statement signed by the Director of Communications, Very Reverend Father Dr. Charles Uganwa. The statement expressed deep sorrow while also affirming the Church’s faith in the resurrection and eternal life.
“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. Steve Chukwuma, which event took place on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025,” the statement read.
It further noted that until his death, the late priest was the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, and the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region, positions he carried out with dedication until his final moments.
The diocese also released details of the burial programme. According to the announcement, a Vigil Mass will be held on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, beginning at 5 pm. This will be followed by the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Issele Uku, by 10 am.
Interment will take place immediately after the Funeral Mass at the Priests’ Cemetery in Issele Uku, in keeping with Catholic tradition for the burial of clergy.
Since the announcement of his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from priests, religious, parishioners and former students who described his death as a profound loss to the diocese and the wider Church. Many have noted the symbolic nature of his passing, dying on the altar while preaching the word of God on the threshold of a New Year.
For the Catholic faithful in Delta State, the death of Reverend Father Stephen Chukwuma is not only a moment of mourning but also a solemn reminder of a life spent entirely in service to God and the Church. As preparations begin for his final rites, the diocese has called on the faithful to pray for the repose of his soul and for the grace to emulate his dedication and faith.
“May his soul rest in peace. Amen,” the diocesan statement concluded.
