The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Owen Amos Ukafia, who passed away on Tuesday morning in Lagos State.

 

Bishop Ukafia’s death comes barely a year after his consecration and enthronement as the Bishop of Uyo on March 19, 2024. He was first ordained a Deacon on December 6, 1998, and later a Priest on October 3, 1999.

 

The Church announced his passing through its official social media handle, stating:

 

“JUST IN: Bishop of Uyo Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Owen Amos Ukafia passes on to glory early this morning in Lagos…. May the Lord rest his soul…. What a sad news.”

 

No details have yet been released regarding the cause of death.

 

His sudden demise has left many members of the diocese in shock, especially as he was reported to have participated in a knighthood investiture just two days earlier.

 

Reactions from church members captured the grief and disbelief:

 

“Jesus Christ. He did Knighthood investiture on Sunday nah. Chai, they’ve finally succeeded in eliminating this man.”

 

“Rest in Peace Bishop Owen Ukafia. Uyo Diocese felt your impact even though it was short-lived. Indeed, in the midst of life, we’re in death.”

 

“Uyo Diocese needs urgent divine intervention. Episcopal deaths are seriously threatening the peace of the diocese. May God heal the land and comfort His children in the diocese.”

 

“How do you just explain this? Abasi mbong. Ọmọ ooo fear dey hold me like this cos I was with the daughter two days ago and I watched the knighthood investiture on Sunday online.”

 

“How can Bishop Owen Ukafia just die like that? I hope they can now become bishop now that he’s gone?”

 

“I hope they can now take over the See of Uyo? Since day one, this man has been facing a lot. Even those in purple from his province didn’t like him. What he did I don’t know. God help us ooo.”

 

 

The Anglican Communion is yet to release an official statement beyond the brief announcement, and further details about the circumstances of his death are still awaited.