Gunmen have shot a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, along the volatile Makurdi-Naka Road in Benue State.
The attack occurred on Saturday evening near Tyolaha in Gwer West Local Government Area. Atongo, who serves as the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, was reportedly traveling with two other individuals when the assailants struck. He was shot and left in critical condition, while the other two were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Rev. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, confirmed the incident in a statement on behalf of the Bishop, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, and called for prayers for the wounded cleric.
“I write on behalf of the Bishop… to request your prayers for the quick recovery of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, who was attacked and shot this evening around Tyolaha… by suspected terrorist herdsmen,” the statement read.
“Let us unite in prayer for God’s healing as doctors work to stabilise him. May Our Lady, Mother of Perpetual Help, intercede for us.”
The Makurdi-Naka Road has gained notoriety in recent years due to frequent attacks, kidnappings, and killings. The continued violence has led many motorists to abandon the route out of fear for their safety.
As of the time of this report, the Benue State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
