Suspected Herdsmen Shoot Catholic Priest, Kidnap Two in Benue
Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, the priest in charge of St. John Quasi Parish in Jimba, Benue State, was shot by suspected armed herdsmen along the Makurdi–Naka Road while two other passengers in his vehicle were abducted.
According to reports, Fr. Atongu was traveling from Makurdi to his parish when gunmen ambushed his car and opened fire, forcing the vehicle to a halt. Eyewitnesses said the attackers emerged from the bush, kidnapped the two other occupants, and left the wounded priest behind, assuming he was dead.
Security operatives, responding to a distress call, arrived promptly at the scene and found the priest in critical condition due to excessive bleeding. He was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where medical personnel are currently working to stabilize him.
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The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi confirmed the incident in a statement by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, who appealed for prayers for Fr. Atongu’s recovery.
“I write on behalf of the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, His Lordship Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, to request your prayers for the quick recovery of Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, who was attacked and shot this evening near Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area, by suspected terrorist herdsmen,” the statement read.
“Let us unite in prayer for God’s healing as medical personnel work to save him. May our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help intercede for us,” it added.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful as calls to her number did not connect, and messages sent via WhatsApp went unanswered.
