A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, was shot on Saturday by gunmen believed to be armed herders along the Makurdi–Naka Road in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to reports, Fr. Atongo, who serves at Jimba Parish, was travelling on the frequently targeted route when the incident occurred near Tyolaha. He was reportedly found by a security officer on patrol, who then rushed him to a hospital for medical attention.
The Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, responded by urging the faithful to pray for the priest’s swift recovery. In a letter dated May 24, 2025, and signed by Rev. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, Chancellor of the Diocese, the bishop appealed for collective prayers following the attack.
Part of the letter stated: “On behalf of Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, we ask for your prayers for the speedy healing of Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, who was shot earlier today near Tyolaha on the Makurdi–Naka Road by suspected terrorist herders.”
Attempts to reach the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting, as calls to her line did not go through.
