Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, the Catholic Priest in Charge of St. John Quasi Parish Jimba, has reportedly been shot by suspected armed herdsmen along the notorious Makurdi-Naka road.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening as the priest was returning from Makurdi to his parish in Naka, where he unwittingly drove into an ambush set by the assailants.
Reports indicate that two other individuals in the vehicle were kidnapped by the armed men, who believed the clergyman was deceased.
Fortunately, security forces arrived promptly at the scene and rescued the priest, who had lost considerable blood, transporting him to a hospital for urgent medical attention.
In a statement confirming the incident, Revd. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, urged the community to pray for the priest’s swift recovery.
“On behalf of the Bishop, Most Revd. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, I request your prayers for Revd. Fr. Solomon Atongu, who was attacked and shot this evening near Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area, by suspected terrorist herdsmen.
“Let us come together in prayer for God’s healing as the medical team works to stabilise him. May our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help intercede for us.”
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful.
