How Herders attacked Catholic Parish Priest, two others in Benue

The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi Benue State, has confirmed the attack on Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen along Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

Fr. Atongu, a priest in charge of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish Jimba in GwerWest, was reportedly attacked alongside two other parishioners on Saturday evening while returning from Naka town.

Confirming the attack on the priest, the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Shima Ukpanya, said that Fr. Atongu was attacked and shot around Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA).

In a letter addressed to all priests, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Ukpanya urged all the catholic faithful to pray for quick recovery of Fr. Atongu.

The letter read: “I write on behalf of the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev Wilfred Anagbe to inform and request for your prayers for the quick recovery of one of our priests Rev Fr Solomon Atongo.

He was attacked and shot this evening around Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA).

“Let us unite in prayer for God’s healings upon him as the medic try to stabilize him. May our Lady Mother of Perpetual help intercede for us”.

Our correspondent gathered that, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu was traveling with two other parishioners, whose identities were yet unknown before they were attacked

According to an witnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity, after they shot at the priest, thinking they have killed him, they decided to kidnapped the other two persons to an unknown destination.

As at the time of filing this report, the priest is presently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, while the police is yet to give confirmation.