A Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Solomon Atongo, was shot by gunmen along the Makurdi-Naka road in Benue State on Saturday evening.
Atongo, who serves as the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The Chancellor of Makurdi Diocese, Shima Ukpanya, disclosed the incident in a statement and called for prayers for the wounded priest.
“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.
According to reports, Atongo was in the company of two people when the hoodlums struck.
After shooting the priest, the herders reportedly whisked away the other persons to an unknown destination.
The Makurdi-Naka road has been plagued by attacks and violence in the past two years, with motorists abandoning the route due to the risk of kidnapping and killing.
The Benue State Police Command was yet to react to the incident.
“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, ” the statement added.
