Gunmen attacked and shot Reverend Father Solomon Atongo, the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, along the Makurdi-Naka road in Benue State. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition following the assault.
The Chancellor of Makurdi Diocese, Shima Ukpanya, shared details in a statement, appealing for prayers as doctors 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.
He continued, “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.”
Atongo was reportedly with two other individuals when the attackers struck. After shooting the priest and believing him dead, the assailants took the other two persons away to an unknown location.
The Makurdi-Naka road has been a hotspot for attacks and violence over the last two years, causing many motorists to avoid the route due to repeated kidnappings and killings.
As at the time of filing this report, Benue State Police Command has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
