Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese Peter Chukwu dies
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki has announced the passing of its bishop, Peter Nworie Chukwu. In a statement dated April 11, 2026, and signed by the Vicar General, Donatus Oluwa
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki has announced the passing of its bishop, Peter Nworie Chukwu.
In a statement dated April 11, 2026, and signed by the Vicar General, Donatus Oluwa Chukwu, the diocese said the bishop died on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 60.
The statement described his death as a “return to the Father’s house” and called on priests and the faithful to pray for the repose of his soul.
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“With profound sorrow in our hearts, and trusting in the divine mercy of God, I write to notify you that our beloved bishop… has returned to the Father’s house,” the statement read.
The diocese also urged the faithful to continue to remember the late bishop in prayers, describing his passing as a painful loss to the Church.
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.
Mr Chukwu was born on November 5, 1965, in Ededeagu Umuezekohohu, in present-day Ebonyi State.
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He undertook his philosophical studies at the Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, from 1985 to 1989, before proceeding to Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, Enugu, where he completed his theological training between 1990 and 1993.
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Furthering his education abroad, he studied at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio (2000–2001), and later obtained a doctorate in philosophy from Marquette University, Milwaukee, between 2002 and 2007.
He was ordained a priest on July 3, 1993, for the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.
His appointment as the third bishop of the diocese was announced on July 6, 2021. He was consecrated and installed on August 19, 2021, at St Theresa’s Cathedral, Abakaliki.
The episcopal ordination was presided over by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Antonio Guido Filipazzi, with Valerian Okeke and Augustine Akubueze serving as co-consecrators, alongside dozens of other bishops from across Nigeria.
