A Catholic priest was shot by gunmen along the volatile Makurdi-Naka road in Benue State.
Rev Fr. Solomon Atongo was attacked on Saturday evening. He is the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, and was taken to the hospital in critical condition following the incident.
The Chancellor of the Makurdi Diocese, Shima Ukpanya, confirmed the attack in a statement and appealed for prayers as medical personnel work to save the priest’s life.
“I write on behalf of the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Revd Wilfred Chikpa Anabge, to inform and request for your prayers for the quick recovery of one of our priests, Revd Fr Solomon Atongo, who was attacked and shot this evening around Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government by suspected terrorist herdsmen,” the statement read.
“Let us unite in prayer for God’s healing upon him as the medics try to stabilise him. May our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help intercede for us. Respectfully yours in Christ.”
Reports indicate that Atongo was accompanied by two others during the attack. The assailants, believed to be herdsmen, shot the priest and assumed he was dead before abducting the other two individuals and fleeing to an unknown location.
The Makurdi-Naka road has experienced frequent violence and attacks over the past two years. As a result, motorists have largely abandoned the route due to persistent incidents of kidnapping and killings.
The Benue State Police Command has yet to issue a statement regarding the attack.