From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev Wilfred Anagbe, has called for prayers for one of his priests, Rev Fr Solomon Atongo, who was attacked and shot by terrorist herdsmen in Benue State on Saturday.
Rev Fr Solomon Atongo, who is in charge of St John’s Quasi Parish in Jimba, was shot on Saturday evening, May 24, 2025, by armed men suspected to be herdsmen militia.
Our correspondent gathered that the priest was shot along the Makurdi-Naka road on his way from Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area, with a native when the incident took place.
Bishop Anagbe confirmed the incident, calling for urgent prayers for the quick healing of the priest.
A letter addressed to all priests, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese, signed by Diocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Shima Ukpanya, read: “I write on behalf of the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev Wilfred Anagbe, to inform and request your prayers for the quick recovery of one of our priests, Rev Fr Solomon Atongo, who was attacked and shot this evening around Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA).
“Let us unite in prayer for God’s healing upon him as the medics try to stabilise him. May our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help intercede for us,” the letter said.
As of the time of writing this report on Sunday morning, the whereabouts of the other victim remain unknown.
Meanwhile, a local from Jimba, who didn’t want to be named, has described the attack on the priest as one too many, calling on the authorities to rise to their responsibilities of securing lives and properties.
He observed that Father Solomon Atongo was attacked by terrorist herdsmen on May 24, 2025, being the anniversary of the burial of Rev Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha and some members of St Ignatius Church in Ayar Mbalom, Gwer East LGA, who were also murdered by terrorist herdsmen on April 20, 2018, and buried on May 24, 2018.
The local stated that the attack on another priest, Fr Solomon Atongo, and an indigene of Jimba between Naka and Jimba on the same date cannot be a mere coincidence.
“This is a classic pattern of the jihadists. The area has been under sustained attacks for years. Please, keep him in your prayers, and the Jimba people left without a shepherd.
“This is one attack too many, and we expect a robust response from the authorities rather than the symbolic and empty rhetoric,” he said.