The Catholic priest in charge of St. John Quasi Parish, Jimba, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, was shot by suspected armed herdsmen on Saturday evening along the Makurdi–Naka Road in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to local sources, the attack happened as the priest was returning to his parish in Naka after a visit to Makurdi. While driving back, his vehicle ran into an ambush set by gunmen believed to be herders. The attackers opened fire, hitting Rev. Fr. Atongu and leaving him seriously wounded.
Two other people who were travelling with the priest were taken away by the assailants and are still missing. Reports say the attackers assumed the priest had died from his injuries and dragged the other passengers into the nearby forest before fleeing the scene.
“Luckily, 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 medical personnel are working to stabilise him,” a source said.
Following the attack, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Rev. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, issued a letter to fellow priests, religious leaders, and lay members of the church. He noted that Rev. Fr. Atongu was attacked and shot near Tyolaha along the Makurdi–Naka Road and asked for prayers for the priest’s healing.
“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 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.”
