Gunmen have shot a Catholic priest along the volatile Makurdi-Naka road in Benue State.
The Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Solomom Atongo, was attacked on Saturday evening.
It was gathered that Atongo serves as the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition following the attack.
The Chancellor of Makurdi Diocese, Shima Ukpanya, disclosed this in a statement and called for prayers for the wounded priest as doctors work to save his 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.
“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 said in the company of two people when the hoodlums struck. After shooting the priest and thinking he was dead, the herders reportedly whisked away the other persons to an unknown destination.
The Makurdi-Naka road has been under attacks and violence in the past two years.
Due to the volatile state of the road, motorists have abandoned the route as gunmen unleash violence by kidnapping and killing people on the route.
The Benue State Police Command has not yet reacted to the incident.
