Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki Peter Chukwu has died after a brief illness.
He was 60.
The diocese announced his death in a statement signed by the Vicar General Donatus Chukwu on Saturday.
According to the statement, Bishop Chukwu was born on November 5, 1965 and was ordained a priest on July 3, 1993.
He was consecrated and installed as the third bishop of the diocese on August 19, 2021.
He died on Friday, April 10.
“It is with submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our bishop,” the statement read.
The diocese called on priests, religious and members to pray for him and the diocesan community.
Chukwu succeeded Michael Okoro after his retirement.
He was from Umuezeokoha in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
He studied philosophy at Seat of Wisdom Seminary from 1985 to 1989 and theology at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, from 1990 to 1993.
The diocese said he served the church as a priest and teacher.
“He will be missed by his family and members where he served,” the statement added.
Governor Francis Nwifuru also reacted to the death.
In a statement, the governor said he received the news with sorrow and extended condolences to the Catholic community and the family.
“I received the news with a heavy heart and extend my condolences to the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki and the family,” he said.
He said the bishop Peter Chukwu served the church and the state and noted his role in the community.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later, according to the diocese.
