Tension has engulfed parts of Benue State following a violent attack on a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, and the abduction of two others by suspected Fulani herdsmen along the notorious Makurdi-Naka road.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening while Fr. Atongo, who serves as the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, was returning from Naka, the administrative headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the cleric’s vehicle was ambushed by armed men who opened fire, hitting him in the process. The gunmen reportedly left Fr. Atongo for dead and kidnapped the two other passengers in his vehicle, whisking them away to an unknown location.
Confirming the development, Rev. Fr. Joseph Beba, Chairman of the Diocesan Priests Association, described the attack as devastating. He revealed that Fr. Atongo survived the gunshots and was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
“This is a heartbreaking time for us all. We continue to pray for his recovery and for the safe return of those abducted,” Fr. Beba stated.
The Makurdi-Naka road has gained a reputation for being perilous, with a surge in kidnappings and deadly attacks over the past two years. Despite repeated complaints from commuters and residents, security along the route remains insufficient.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the kidnapped individuals have not been disclosed, and no group has claimed responsibility or made any ransom demands.
