A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, was on Saturday attacked and shot by bandits suspected to be armed herders along the Makurdi/Naka Road in the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a source, the Catholic priest from Jimba parish was driving down the notorious Makurdi/Naka road when he was shot near Tyolaha by suspected armed herders.
The priest was alleged to have been discovered by a security officer patrolling the area and transported to an unidentified hospital.
In response, Most Rev Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, issued an urgent prayer request, stating that the priest was being treated in the hospital.
In a letter dated Saturday, May 24, 2025, written by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Rev Fr Shima Ukpanya, on behalf of the bishop, he stated that the need for prayer was for the priest’s speedy recovery.
The letter read partly, “I write on behalf of Bishop Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, for your prayer for the quick recovery of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, who was attacked and shot this evening around Tyolaha, Makurdi/Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area by suspected terrorist herders.”
Efforts to contact the state command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting this report because calls to her phone did not connect.
