A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, was shot by suspected herdsmen along the volatile Makurdi-Naka road in Benue State on Saturday evening.
Fr. Atongo, who serves as the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, was reportedly ambushed while returning from Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area.
In a statement confirming the incident, Rev. Joseph Beba, Chairman of the Diocesan Priests Association, disclosed that the clergyman was in critical condition and had been rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment.
According to sources, Fr. Atongo was traveling in the company of two individuals when the assailants opened fire. After shooting the priest—apparently believing he was dead—the attackers abducted the two other passengers and fled to an unknown location.
The Makurdi-Naka road has become notorious for violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings by suspected herdsmen over the past two years, rendering it a danger zone for commuters. Many travelers now avoid the route entirely due to the persistent insecurity.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official update on the identity or condition of the abducted individuals, nor have their captors made any demands.
Authorities are yet to issue a formal statement, but local residents and religious leaders are calling for urgent intervention to secure the road and protect lives in the region.
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