In yet another chilling episode of violence in Benue State, a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, narrowly escaped death after being ambushed and shot by suspected armed herdsmen along the volatile Makurdi–Naka Road on Saturday evening. Two other occupants in his vehicle were not as fortunate—abducted by the gunmen and whisked away into the shadows of the surrounding forest.
Rev. Fr. Atongu, who serves at St. John Quasi Parish in Jimba, was reportedly returning to his parish from Makurdi when the attackers struck near Tyolaha, Gwer West Local Government Area. According to local sources, the vehicle came under a hail of bullets as it navigated a remote stretch of the road, prompting the assailants to assume their primary target had been fatally hit.
While chaos and bloodshed engulfed the scene, the gunmen seized the opportunity to abduct the two other passengers and vanished into the dense forest, leaving behind a trail of fear and confusion.
Despite suffering significant blood loss, Rev. Fr. Atongu was miraculously rescued in a swift response operation by security forces. He was promptly rushed to a nearby medical facility, where he is currently receiving critical care.
The attack has sent shockwaves across the Catholic community and beyond. In an official letter to priests, religious personnel, and the lay faithful, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Rev. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, confirmed the incident and called for urgent prayers.
Writing on behalf of the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, the Chancellor stated:
> “I write on behalf of the Bishop to inform you and request your prayers for the quick recovery of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, who was attacked and shot this evening around Tyolaha, along the Makurdi–Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area, by suspected terrorist herdsmen.
Let us unite in prayer for God’s healing upon him as the medical team works to stabilize him. May our Lady, Mother of Perpetual Help, intercede for us.”
The fate of the abducted victims remains unknown as security agencies intensify search efforts. Meanwhile, the brazen attack has reignited calls for government action to end the relentless violence and lawlessness that have plagued parts of Benue State, leaving a trail of tears, trauma, and growing insecurity in their wake.
PIONEER NEWS 