Stephen Chukwuma, parish priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in Ika South LGA of Delta State, slumped and died while delivering a homily.
Chukwuma, aged 63, collapsed during his homily at the New Year’s Eve Mass and was later confirmed dead.
Until his sudden death, he served as Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.
The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku officially announced his passing and released details of his burial arrangements.
In a statement signed by Charles Uganwa, director of communications for the Diocese, the diocese said “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,” he added.
The diocese outlined the burial arrangements as follows:
“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., followed immediately by interment at the Priests’ Cemetery, Issele-Uku.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement concluded.