By Nkechinyere Ewa
The has announced the death of its Bishop, , who passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 60.
Donatus Oluwa Chukwu the Vicar General, in a statement issued on April 11 , the church expressed deep sorrow and entrusted the late prelate to the mercy of God.
Born on November 5, 1965, Bishop Chukwu was ordained a priest on July 3, 1993, and devoted over three decades to pastoral service and the growth of the Catholic faith. He was consecrated and installed as the third Bishop of the Diocese on August 19, 2021, becoming the first bishop from the Abakaliki bloc.
Until his death, he had recently been elected Assistant Secretary of the (CBCN), a role he was to serve for four years before his sudden passing cut short the mandate.
During his tenure, Bishop Chukwu was widely regarded for his commitment to evangelization, pastoral care, and strengthening the faith community. His leadership left a lasting impact on both clergy and lay faithful within and beyond the Diocese.
Meanwhile, Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, described the late Bishop as a “spiritual colossus” whose life embodied humility, sacrifice, and devotion to God and humanity. He said the Bishop’s death marks the end of an era of moral leadership and spiritual guidance in the state.
The Governor noted that Bishop Chukwu, a native of Ezza North Local Government Area, was a promoter of peace, justice, unity, and love, whose counsel provided wisdom to both leaders and the faithful.
He extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the , and the family of the deceased, praying for the repose of his soul and strength for those mourning.
The Diocese has called on priests, religious, and lay faithful to keep the late Bishop in their prayers, while funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later.