Catholic Priest shot by suspected armed herders in Benue State
Benue State Map
A Catholic priest identified as Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, was on Saturday reportedly attacked and shot by suspected armed herdsmen along the Makurdi-Naka Road.
The Catholic priest, who was confirmed by a source as a priest of Jimba Parish, was shot Saturday evening while returning from Makurdi to his duty post in Naka around Tyolaha, when he drove into an ambush by the herdsmen.
According to a source “security personnel arrived at the scene of the attack and rescued the priest who had already lost a significant amount of blood, and took him to the hospital, where efforts are being made by medical personnel to stabilize him.”
Confirming the incident in a letter, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe, called for urgent prayers for the priest stating that the priest was being attended to at the hospital.
A part of the statement read: “I write on behalf of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Reverend Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, to inform you and request your prayers for the quick recovery of one of your priests, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, who was attacked and shot this evening around Tyolaha, along the Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA), by suspected terrorist herdsmen.”
“Let us unite in prayer for God’s healing upon him as the medical team works to stabilize him. May our Lady, Mother of Perpetual Help, intercede for us.”
Efforts to get a reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene were not successful.
