Gunmen Shoot Catholic Priest, Abduct Two In Benue

Tragedy struck on Saturday evening along the Makurdi–Naka Road in Benue State, as Rev. Fr Solomon Atongu, a Catholic priest of St John Quasi Parish, Jimba, was shot by suspected armed herdsmen in a targeted ambush.

The attack occurred as Fr Atongu was returning to his parish in Naka from Makurdi. Reports indicate that the gunmen opened fire on his vehicle around Tyolaha in Gwer West Local Government Area, leaving the priest seriously injured. Two passengers in the same vehicle were seized by the attackers and taken into a nearby forest.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants, assuming the priest had died from his injuries, fled with the other occupants of the vehicle. However, security operatives later arrived at the scene and rescued Fr. Atongu, who had lost a considerable amount of blood. He was rushed to the hospital, where efforts are ongoing to stabilise his condition.

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The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has confirmed the incident. In a message to priests and members of the diocese, the chancellor, Rev. Fr Shima Ukpanya, urged the faithful to pray for Fr Atongu’s recovery.

“I write on behalf of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, to inform you and request your prayers for the quick recovery of one of our priests, Rev. Fr Solomon Atongu, who was attacked and shot this evening,” the statement read. “Let us unite in prayer for God’s healing upon him… May our Lady, Mother of Perpetual Help, intercede for us.”

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, for official comments were unsuccessful.

The incident has once again raised concerns over rising insecurity and the growing threat posed by armed groups along major roads in Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt region.

 

 

 

Content Credit: Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola

Image Credit: Daily post.com