Catholic Priest Shot, Two Others Abducted on Treacherous Benue Road

MAKURDI, Benue – A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, narrowly escaped death on Saturday evening after being shot by suspected armed herdsmen along the notorious Makurdi-Naka Road in Benue State. Two other occupants of his vehicle were reportedly abducted in the attack, further highlighting the escalating insecurity plaguing the region.

Father Atongu, the priest in charge of St. John Quasi Parish Jimba, was en route from Makurdi back to his duty post in Naka when he drove into an ambush set by the assailants. The attack occurred around Tyolaha, in Gwer West Local Government Area.

Sources indicate that the armed men shot the priest and, believing him to be dead, subsequently abducted his two companions, whisking them away into the dense forest. “Luckily, security personnel quickly arrived at the scene of the attack and rescued the Priest, who had already lost so much blood,” a source revealed.

Father Atongu was rushed to a hospital, where medical personnel are reportedly working to stabilize his condition.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Revd. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, confirmed the incident in a statement, calling for urgent prayers for Father Atongu’s swift recovery. “I write on behalf of the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Revd. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, 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 Area, LGA, by suspected terrorist herdsmen,” the statement read in part. “Let us unite in prayer for God’s healing upon him as the medics try to stabilize him. May our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help intercede for us.”

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This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks on the Makurdi-Naka Road, a route that has become increasingly dangerous due to the activities of armed groups, often identified as suspected herdsmen. Just last month, reports emerged of multiple abductions, with some accounts suggesting up to 19 or even 27 passengers were kidnapped in separate incidents on the Adoka-Naka-Makurdi road. The Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormin, recently imposed a daily restriction on movement into and out of the council area from 6:30 p.m. due to the “escalating insecurity.” Local residents and officials have repeatedly appealed for increased security presence and intervention to curb the incessant killings and kidnappings.

As of press time, there has been no official update on the condition of the two abducted individuals or details regarding any ransom demands. The police in Benue State are yet to release a comprehensive statement on the latest attack. The continued targeting of commuters and residents on this vital road underscores the dire security challenges faced by communities in Benue State.