Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Peter Nworie Chukwu, dies at 60

The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State has been thrown into mourning following the death of its bishop, Most Reverend Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, who passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 60.

The Vicar General of the Diocese, Reverend Father Donatus Oluwa Chukwu, confirmed the death in an official statement made available to the public on Saturday, April 11, 2026 . The statement expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the cleric who had served as the spiritual head of the diocese for nearly five years.

“With profound sorrow in our hearts, and trusting 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,” the statement read in part.

Bishop Chukwu was born on November 5, 1965, in Ededeagu Umuezeokohu, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State . He studied Philosophy at Seat of Wisdom Seminary from 1985 to 1989 and completed his Theology at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, from 1990 to 1993 . He was ordained a priest on July 3, 1993, dedicating decades of his life to pastoral service and the advancement of the Catholic faith.

His episcopal journey reached a significant milestone when he was consecrated and installed as the third Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki on August 19, 2021, succeeding Bishop Michael Nnachi Okoro . He was ordained as bishop by Pope Francis on July 6, 2021.

During his brief but impactful tenure, Bishop Chukwu was known for his strong commitment to evangelisation, pastoral care, and the strengthening of the faith community within the diocese and beyond . Sources indicated that the bishop had been battling kidney problems and died following a transplant procedure at an undisclosed hospital.

The diocese noted that his leadership left a lasting imprint on both clergy and lay faithful, describing him as a devoted shepherd who served diligently until his death . The Vicar General added that the young bishop brought innovation and transformation to the diocese through his policies and programmes according to Catholic doctrine.

“He will be missed not only by his family but by the entire Catholic faithful where he served as priest and teacher,” the statement added.

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, in an official condolence statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the bishop, describing his death as a profound loss to the Church, Ebonyi State, and the nation at large.

Governor Nwifuru described the late bishop as a “spiritual colossus” and a “tireless advocate for justice, unity, and love” . He noted that the late bishop was not only a revered shepherd of God’s flock but a spiritual leader whose life embodied humility, sacrifice, and undiluted devotion to the service of God and humanity.

“I am compelled to assert that his transition marks the end of an era of profound spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and fatherly leadership in Ebonyi State and beyond,” Nwifuru said.

The Governor drew consolation from the Holy Scriptures, referencing 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” stating that the scripture aptly reflects the life and ministry of the late Bishop, who “ran his race with grace and finished strong in the vineyard of the Lord”.

The diocese has called on priests, religious, and the lay faithful to keep the late bishop in their prayers, alongside the entire diocesan family during this period of mourning . Funeral arrangements, according to the statement, will be announced at a later date.

“May the soul of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen,” the statement concluded .