Fulani terrorists shot Catholic priest in Benue, abduct two others

DDM News

Tension has intensified across parts of Benue State following a violent attack on a Catholic priest and the abduction of two other individuals by suspected herdsmen terrorists

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the incident took place on Saturday evening along the notorious Makurdi-Naka road, which has become a recurring site of terror and bloodshed.

The victim, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, serves as the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish in Jimba, a community in Gwer West Local Government Area.

He was returning from Naka, the local government headquarters, when his vehicle was ambushed by Fulani gunmen.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the assailants opened fire without warning, hitting the priest and abducting the two other passengers in the vehicle.

Fr. Atongo was left in a pool of blood and presumed dead by his attackers, who dragged away their captives to an undisclosed location.

The priest was later found alive and rushed to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition under intensive medical care.

Confirming the incident, Rev. Fr. Joseph Beba, who chairs the Diocesan Priests Association, expressed sorrow and shock at the brutal attack.

“This is a sad time for all of us. We are praying for his recovery and for the safe return of those who were taken,” he said.

Residents and road users have since renewed calls for urgent intervention from security agencies, noting that the Makurdi-Naka road has become a death trap.

The highway has witnessed frequent cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder, with little or no decisive action from authorities.

Over the past two years, dozens of travelers have been killed or disappeared without a trace along this corridor that connects several rural communities.

The insecurity has crippled economic activity in the area, as transporters and traders now avoid the route out of fear.

Despite repeated cries from locals and community leaders, the stretch continues to lack adequate military and police presence.

Many have accused the government of failing in its primary responsibility to protect lives and property in the state.

The identities of the abducted persons have not been officially disclosed, and there has been no communication from the kidnappers as of press time.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and no ransom demands have been reported either.

Security operatives are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the matter, raising concerns about the level of preparedness and response capacity in the state.

Clergy members and Christian groups across the state have condemned the attack, describing it as part of an ongoing campaign of terror against communities in Benue.

Civil society organizations, including the Due Process Integrity Vanguard, have also called for an investigation and the immediate deployment of security operatives to the affected zones.

They warned that the continued silence and inaction of authorities could embolden criminal elements and worsen the already fragile security situation.

The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has appealed to the federal and state governments to take swift and decisive action to rescue the abducted individuals from the hands of the terrorists

They also urged citizens to remain calm and prayerful while security agencies conduct operations in search of the victims.

As Fr. Atongo battles for his life, the community remains on edge, with many describing the attack as yet another painful reminder of the insecurity plaguing the region.

The latest incident adds to the growing list of targeted attacks on clergy in Nigeria, further highlighting the vulnerability of both religious leaders and ordinary citizens.

Calls for the establishment of a dedicated military outpost along the Makurdi-Naka axis have intensified, as stakeholders say it is the only way to restore peace and eradicate the terrorists

Human rights advocates and local politicians have also raised the alarm over the proliferation of armed groups in the Middle Belt region.

They argue that failure to act now may lead to greater unrest and humanitarian crises in the months to come.

The state government has yet to make an official comment, but sources suggest a security briefing is being planned to address the issue of the terrorists

Residents of Jimba and Naka communities are reportedly living in fear, as many believe the attackers may still be operating in nearby bushes.

Meanwhile, Christian groups have declared a series of prayer vigils for Fr. Atongo and the two abducted persons, pleading for divine intervention.

Until they are found and the perpetrators brought to justice, the wounds left by this act of terror will continue to haunt the affected communities.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook