A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, was critically injured after suspected herdsmen opened fire on his vehicle along the Makurdi–Naka Road on Saturday, May 24. The attack occurred as the priest returned from Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area.
In a statement released by Rev. Joseph Beba, Chairman of the Diocesan Priests, “Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, was shot by hoodlums suspected to be herdsmen and is currently in critical condition,” the statement said. Fr. Atongo was traveling with two companions when the assailants opened fire, leaving him wounded and his companions abducted.
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Eyewitnesses report that the gunmen appeared suddenly from the bush, fired multiple shots at the vehicle, then whisked away the two passengers after believing the priest to be dead. Local security forces have launched a manhunt for the attackers and are coordinating with community vigilantes to secure the area.
The incident has reignited concerns over rising clashes between herdsmen and local communities in Benue State, where grazing routes increasingly overlap with farming settlements. Church leaders and civil society groups are calling on state government and security agencies to intensify patrols, improve rural security infrastructure, and ensure prompt medical care for victims of such attacks.
Fr. Atongo remains hospitalized under close medical supervision. His congregation and parishioners have launched a prayer appeal and fundraising drive to support his recovery and the search for the missing companions.
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