In a distressing incident, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, the Catholic Priest overseeing St. John Quasi Parish Jimba, has been shot by presumed armed herdsmen on the perilous Makurdi-Naka road.
The attack took place on Saturday evening while the priest was returning to Naka from Makurdi, where he fell victim to an ambush orchestrated by the assailants.
It has been reported that two other passengers in the vehicle were abducted by the attackers, who mistakenly thought the priest was dead.
Fortunately, security personnel arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and managed to rescue the priest, who had sustained significant blood loss, and transported him to a hospital for necessary medical care.
Revd. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, confirmed the assault in a statement and called for prayers for the priest’s rapid recovery.
“I write on behalf of Most Revd. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, to request your prayers for Revd. Fr. Solomon Atongu, who was shot this evening near Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area, by suspected terrorist herdsmen.
“Let us unite in prayer for God’s healing as the medical personnel strive to stabilise him. May our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help intercede for us.”
Efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful.
