The Archdiocese of Owerri has disclosed that the Chapel of Adoration at St. Mulumba Parish, Owerri, has been desecrated.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Patrick C. Mbarah, the parish stated that unidentified persons broke into the chapel and carted away the Blessed Sacrament.
The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Wednesday during a rainfall.
The statement was sighted on the official page of the Ahiara Catholic Diocese.
According to the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Raymond Madu, the suspects reportedly gained access to the chapel by opening parts of the roof, entering through the ceiling, before making away with the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.
Reacting to the incident, the Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, directed parishioners of St. Mulumba Parish to observe a one-week prayer of reparation from May 1 to May 8, 2026, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State has announced the death of its Bishop, Peter Chukwu, who passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 60.
The announcement was contained in an official statement issued on April 11, 2026, by the Vicar General, Donatus Oluwa Chukwu.
The diocese expressed deep sorrow over the loss, entrusting the late cleric to the mercy of God.
According to the statement, Bishop Chukwu was born on November 5, 1965, and was ordained a priest on July 3, 1993.
He devoted over three decades of his life to pastoral service and the growth of the Catholic faith, earning respect within and beyond the diocese.
His episcopal journey peaked when he was consecrated and installed as the third Bishop of the diocese on August 19, 2021.
During his tenure, Bishop Chukwu was known for his unwavering commitment to evangelisation, pastoral care, and strengthening the faith community.
The diocese noted that his leadership left a lasting impact on both clergy and laity, describing him as a devoted shepherd who served faithfully until his passing.
It called on priests, religious, and lay faithful to keep the late bishop in their prayers and support the diocesan family during the mourning period.
Funeral arrangements, it added, would be announced later.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from across social media and beyond, with many describing the late bishop as a man of humility and deep spiritual conviction.
Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, in a statement, described Bishop Chukwu as a towering spiritual figure.
“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.
He added that the late cleric was not only a revered shepherd of God’s flock but also “a spiritual colossus whose life embodied humility, sacrifice, and undiluted devotion to the service of God and humanity.”
An indigene of Ededeagu Umuezeokohu in Ezza North Local Government Area, Bishop Chukwu was widely regarded as an icon of faith and a promoter of peace.
He was also remembered as a tireless advocate for justice, unity, and love, whose influence resonated across communities in the state and beyond.
His death marks a significant loss to the Catholic Church and the wider Christian community in Nigeria.