Makurdi — Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, the Catholic priest in charge of St. John Quasi Parish, Jimba, was reportedly shot by suspected armed herdsmen on Saturday evening while traveling along the Makurdi–Naka Road.
The attack occurred as the priest was returning from Makurdi to his duty post in Naka, when his vehicle reportedly drove into an ambush set by the assailants.
Sources reveal that after shooting the priest, the herdsmen abducted two other occupants of the vehicle, taking them into the nearby forest.
Fortunately, security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the attack and were able to rescue the wounded priest, who had already lost a significant amount of blood. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, where medical teams are currently working to stabilize his condition.
In a letter addressed to all priests, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Rev. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, confirmed the attack and appealed for prayers for the priest’s speedy recovery.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The statement further urged the faithful to unite in prayer, invoking the intercession of Our Lady, Mother of Perpetual Help, for the priest’s healing as medical staff continue their efforts to stabilize him.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, for comments on the incident were unsuccessful as she could not be reached at press time.
This incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks attributed to armed herdsmen in the region, raising concerns about the security situation along rural roads and the safety of residents and travelers in Benue State.
The Makurdi–Naka Road, which connects several communities, has in recent times been the scene of multiple ambushes and kidnappings.
Local authorities and security agencies are under increasing pressure to intensify patrols and provide adequate protection for vulnerable areas to prevent such attacks and ensure the safety of all citizens, including religious leaders who play critical roles in their communities.
The Diocese of Makurdi has called on the government and security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and strengthen security measures to safeguard residents along the Makurdi–Naka corridor.
Meanwhile, prayers continue to pour in from various quarters for Rev. Fr. Atongu’s recovery, reflecting the community’s deep concern and solidarity with the priest and his family during this trying time.
The abduction of the two occupants also remains a worrying development, and efforts to secure their release are reportedly underway, though no official information has been released regarding their current status or whereabouts.
As the investigation unfolds, the Diocese and local authorities urge calm and cooperation from the public, emphasizing the importance of peace and security in the region.
