Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, a Catholic priest serving in Jimba Parish, was shot on Saturday by gunmen suspected to be armed herders along the Makurdi-Naka Road in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources said the attack occurred near Tyolaha, a known flashpoint on the road.
The injured priest was found by a patrolling security officer and taken to a hospital, which remains undisclosed for security reasons.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, confirmed the incident and called for prayers for Fr. Atongo’s recovery.
A letter signed by the diocesan chancellor, Rev. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, dated May 24, 2025, urged the faithful to pray for the priest’s healing.
The letter stated, “I write on behalf of Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe to request prayers for the quick recovery of 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.”
Attempts to reach the Benue State Police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, for comment were unsuccessful as calls to her phone did not go through at the time of this report.