Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma, the 63-year-old Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Agbor, Delta State, slumped and died while delivering his homily during a New Year's Eve crossover Mass on December 31, 2025.
The devoted cleric, who served as Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, collapsed suddenly at the altar just after midnight, leaving worshippers stunned. Despite frantic efforts to revive him at Central Hospital Agbor, he was pronounced dead on arrival, casting a pall over the joyous New Year celebrations. Ordained in 1990, Fr. Chukwuma was remembered for his 35 years of pastoral service across parishes like St. Brigid’s Asaba and St. Michael’s Ubulu-Uku.
The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku confirmed the passing via Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Uganwa, urging prayers for his soul. A vigil Mass is set for January 27, 2026, at his parish, followed by funeral on January 28 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Issele-Uku, with interment at the priests’ cemetery.
Parishioners mourned a "humble, compassionate shepherd" whose zeal touched countless lives, with former altar boys praising his inspiration. Social media overflowed with shock and prayers.
- "A beacon of hope gone too soon - RIP Fr. Stephen 🙏" – Tributes highlighting his humility.urhobotoday
- "What a way to start the year; Agbor in tears" – Locals reeling from the loss.facebook
- "His life of service ends dramatically at the pulpit" – Reflections on divine timing. Sympathizers continue visiting the parish amid calls for unity.journalist101+1