AFRICA/NIGERIA - Priest injured along the Makurdi-Naka road called "the shortest route to hell"

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Catholic priest, Father Solomon Atongo, was seriously injured after being shot on the evening of May 24. Father Atongo was traveling with two others when armed assailants attacked their vehicle along the Makurdi-Naka road in Benue State, southeastern Nigeria. After shooting the priest and believing him dead, the bandits took the other people away to an unknown location. The news of Father Atongo’s injury was made public through a statement signed by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Makurdi, Fr. Shima Ukpanya: “I write on behalf of the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Revd Wilfred Chikpa Anabge, to inform and request for your prayers for the quick recovery of one of our priests, Revd Fr Solomon Atongo, who was attacked and shot this evening around Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government by suspected terrorist herdsmen.”
A reference to the gangs of Fulani herdsmen who have been responsible for violent robberies, murders and kidnappings in various areas of Nigeria.
In the past two years, the Makurdi-Naka road has been the scene of attacks and violence by criminal gangs, so much so that it has been nicknamed the “shortest route to hell.” The road, in a complete state of degradation, has become a sort of refuge for armed bandits who have transformed the extensive stretch of forest along this stretch into camps and hideouts. Their victims include wealthy people, political leaders and public officials, as well as ordinary citizens, who are often kidnapped for ransom. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/5/2025)

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