•Late Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu
The death has been confirmed of the Bishop of Abakaliki diocese of the Catholic church, Most Reverend Peter Nworie Chukwu.
The confirmation came in a notification addressed to the Presbyterium and Lay faithful of the Abakaliki diocese, dated April 11, and signed by the diocesan Vicar General, Fr. Donatus Oluwa Chukwu and made available to newsmen.
According to the release, Bishop Chukwu died on Friday April 10 at the age of 60 years.
Part of the release reads: “With profound sorrow in our hearts, and resting in the divine mercy of God, I write to notify you that our beloved bishop, Most Reverend Peter Nworie Chukwu, Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese has returned to the Father’s house.
“Bishop Chukwu died on Friday, April 10, 2026. He was aged 60 years.”
The release further explained that the bishop was born on November 5, 1965, ordained a priest on July 3, 1993, consecrated and installed as a bishop of the diocese on August 19, 2021.
It called for prayers for the diocese, stating that funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Meanwhile, Governor Francis Nwifuru has expressed deep sorrow over Bishop Chukwu’s death, describing it as “the end of an era of profound spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and fatherly leadership in Ebonyi state.”
He described the late bishop as a “distinguished icon of faith, a promoter of peace, and a tireless advocate for justice, unity and love”, who through his pastoral mission, “touched countless lives, strengthened families and nurtured the spiritual growth of our people.”
In a statement signed by the Governor himself, he noted that the late bishop was both a revered shepherd, a spiritual colossus and an embodiment of humility, sacrifice and undiluted devotion to the service of God and humanity and enjoined all and sundries to take solace in the fact that the bishop fought a good fight of faith and service to God and lived a life worthy of testimony serving in God’s vineyard.
The statement added: “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ebonyi State, I extend my deepest condolences to the Supreme Pontiff, Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious, and lay faithful, as well as the immediate and extended family of the late Bishop.
“We share in your pain, even as we celebrate a life well spent in the service of God and humanity.
“As a government, we recognize the role Bishop Chukwu played in fostering moral discipline, rectitude and social harmony.
“His passing is not only a loss to the Church but to the entire state and nation.
“We pray that the Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will grant his gentle soul eternal rest and give all who mourn him the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Bishop Chukwu hailed from Ededeagu Umuezeokohu in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi state.
