By Parrot Newspaper 
Gunmen Shoot Catholic Priest in Benue, Abduct Two Others
Tension gripped the Makurdi-Naka axis of Benue State on Saturday, May 24, as suspected herdsmen launched a violent attack on a Catholic priest and his companions.
Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, the priest in charge of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, was shot by gunmen while travelling along the notorious Makurdi-Naka road. The ambush occurred as he was returning from Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Chairman of Diocesan Priests, Rev. Fr. Joseph Beba, Fr. Atongo was critically injured in the attack and was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently battling for his life.
Sources say the priest was not alone at the time of the attack. He was reportedly travelling with two others when the assailants struck. After shooting Fr. Atongo and assuming he was dead, the gunmen abducted the two other passengers and disappeared into the bush.
Security operatives are yet to release an official statement, and the identities or whereabouts of the kidnapped individuals remain unknown. The incident has sparked fear among residents and renewed calls for improved security on the Makurdi-Naka road, which has become a hotspot for violent attacks.
Gunmen Shoot Catholic Priest in Benue
Locals are urging authorities to act swiftly to rescue the abducted victims and bring the attackers to justice.