Catholic priest collapses and dies on the pulpit during New Year Eve Mass in Delta

Saturday, January 3, 2026 - The Parish Priest of St John the Baptist Catholic Church Boji-Boji Agbor, Ika North Local Government Area of Delta State, Reverend Father, Rev Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwuma has d!ed after collapsing on the pulpit while delivering homily. 

The incident which occurred during the New Year Eve Mass on 31st December, 2025 stunned worshippers and sent shockwaves across the Catholic community. 

The 63-year-old priest was the Regional Vicar of Agbor Region in Issele-Uku Diocese. 

He was native of Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

 Born on June 5, 1962 in Agbor, Rev. Chukwuma began his vocation early as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. 

 He attended Ngala Primary School and Ika Grammar School, Agbor, before entering the seminary in 1982. 

His formation included the Spiritual Year at St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu-Remo, and priestly studies at SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he completed his training in 1990. 

He was ordained in 1990 by Bishop Anthony Gbuji for the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku and went on to serve in several parishes across Delta State, including St. Brigid’s, Asaba; All Saints, Onicha-Ugbo; and St. Michael’s, Ubulu-Uku. 

He also held leadership roles as Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and Dean of the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year campus, Ekpoma.

The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku has announced the burial arrangement of the late priest in a statement signed by its Director of Communications, 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. Steve Chukwuma, which event took place on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025. Until his d3ath, he was the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor and Regional Vicar of Agbor Region,” the statement read. 

"Burial Arrangement: Tuesday, 27th January, 2026: Vigil Mass at St John Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor by 5pm. Wednesday, 28th January, 2026: Funeral Mass at St. Paul Cathedral, Issele-Uku by 10am.

“Interment follows immediately after the Mass at the Priest's Cemetery, Issele-Uku. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.”