From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi Benue State on Sunday confirmed the attack on Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen along Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.Fr. Atongu, a priest in charge of St.

Theresa’s Catholic Parish Jimba in GwerWest, was reportedly attacked alongside two other parishioners on Saturday while returning from Naka town. Confirming the attack on the priest, the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Shima Ukpanya, said that Fr. Atongu was attacked and shot around Tyolaha, Makurdi-Naka Road, Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA).In a letter addressed to all priests, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Ukpanya urged all the catholic faithful to pray for the quick recovery of Fr. Atongu.The letter read: “I write on behalf of the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev Wilfred Anagbe to inform and request for your prayers for the quick recovery of one of our priests Rev Fr Solomon Atongo.He 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 healings upon him as the medic tries to stabilize him. May our Lady Mother of Perpetual help intercede for us”.DAILY ASSET gathered that, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu was traveling with two other parishioners, whose identities were yet unknown before they were attackedAccording to an eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, after they shot at the priest, thinking they had killed him, they decided to kidnap the other two persons to an unknown destination.As at the time of filing this report, the priest is presently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, while the police are yet to give confirmation.Effort to get confirmation from the Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, Catherine Anene proved abortive as she could not respond to calls.Insecurity Delays Construction of N25.7bn 52kms Road Project in BenueThe contractors handling the construction of the 52 kilometers Awaji-Oju road inter local government’s road project, CGGC Global Projects Nigeria Limited has cried out over the spate of insecurity around the construction areas.The Company, who spoke through its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Bob Ogbonnaya said while they have done some good percentage of the job, insecurity has posed a high challenge thereby delaying the speed of work on the road.Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia had awarded the construction of the 52 kilometers Awaji-Oju road project, at the cost of N25.7 billion early last year.The 52 km road is linking Gwer East, Konshisha and Oju Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.However, the project is being stalled by insecurity in the area as the contractors said they may need additional time to meet up with completion.Ogbonnaya told newsmen at the weekend during the tour of projects constructed by Governor Hyacinth Alia in the last two years, that there is a Communal clash and some people were killed, stressing that there has been a couple of times the company would go to the field and there would be gunshots even up till today.”We have been trying to get more security backups but right now we have 23 security personnel working with us just to enhance their safety.Ogbonnaya, who is also the company’s Chinese to English translator, noted that they were working day and night in the past but stopped following the communal clashes.He said they may not be able to meet the one year deadline and asked for a six months extension to enable them deliver on the project. “We are also asking for a military checkpoint along the road to reduce the danger we are facing in specific areas. Close to Oju also, there is a community in Igede land fighting with another community Tiv land. So if we get a security set up closer there and to move with us, preferably army or a joint task force, it would be good.”On his part, the Acting Director of Engineering Services, Bureau of Special Projects and Infrastructure, Engr. Hembadoon Nongo, said the Awaji-Oju road project was awarded by Governor Hyacinth Alia in September 2024 while the contractor commenced work in October 2024.According to her, work is progressing steadily. The scope of the work is to construct the road up to asphalt finishing from Achohol to Oju. It’s a 12 months contract but for the insecurity challenges experienced by the contractor, only about 25 percent has so far been achieved.”They experienced some security challenges around km15. The locals were having some communal clashes and the contractors couldn’t continue. Because of that, there may be a little extension to the contract duration.”Some members of the Anchohol community including Titus Tsavwua appreciated Governor Alia for remembering them saying they are looking forward to seeing him come to commission the road which they said will ease movement for humans, goods and services.Tsavwua said the Chiefs in the community have been trying their best to end the communal fights saying “The road should be free and safe for them to work as the bullets don’t know who is who.”The team, which toured in Zone C, Benue South Senatorial District, also visited two Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Taraku, Gwer East and Akpegede in Otukpo LGAs Utonkon-Agila-Igumale road among others.The tour of projects is facilitated by a team from Timbuktoo Media Solutions led by the former Minister for Information, Labaran Maku and Dr Mike Omeri, a former DG of National Orientation Agency (NOA).Herdsmen Killings: Och’idoma Backs Tor Tiv, Tells Herders to Vacate His DomainThe paramount ruler of the Idoma Nation, His Royal Majesty, Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo has ordered all armed herdsmen to vacate Idoma land with immediate effect to allow farmers to begin cultivation of crops.This directive formed the core of a communique released after an emergency meeting of the Idoma Area Traditional Council and local government chairmen held at the Och’Idoma’s Palace in Otukpo, a few days ago.The directive was also as result of the recent incessant attacks and killings in Idoma axis of Benue State by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.The Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC) had also given similar orders to the herders to vacate Tiv land following the spate of attacks and killings in part of Tiv communities.The IATC issued the order in a resolution at the end of its emergency meeting with Local Government Council Chairmen in Idoma land, presided over by the Och’Idoma, HRM Dr. John Odogbo, in Otukpo.In the resolution signed by the Council Secretary, Uloko Adegbe, the Council expressed grief over the heinous act of violence perpetrated by armed herdsmen that resulted in the tragic loss of lives in the Idoma Kingdom,While commending the government’s efforts to address the situation, the Royal fathers urged “continued and intensified cooperation and political will, suggesting that more strategic actions and resources are necessary to fully secure our homeland.“It is therefore unanimously agreed that the state government should discuss and prevail on Fulani herdsmen to vacate all farmlands to enable farmers to resume their agricultural activities without threat or intimidation.”All armed herders must be persuaded and directed to leave the area immediately to prevent further conflicts.“All residents and stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to support peace efforts and prevent further violence.”The Council urged the government to ensure increased security patrols, deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable areas, and conduct conflict resolution training to deter future violence in the District.It equally reminded law enforcement agencies that the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition Law was still in force, hence the need to arrest and prosecute anyone who violates the law “no matter how high or low they could be, to instill sanity in the state. No one is above the law.”While urging Local Government Council Chairmen in the District to ensure full compliance with the resolutions, the Council also emphasized that “the Federal and State Governments should show the political will to implement these resolutions by strengthening the security architecture in Idoma Land and Benue State in general.”Community Vigilance and Cooperation: All residents and stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to support peace efforts and prevent further violence.”Stakeholders, including community leaders, farmers, locally herders, and security agencies, are encouraged to participate in ongoing dialogue sessions designed to foster mutual understanding, trust, and sustainable coexistence.Furthermore, the authorities are called upon to review land policies and promote equitable access, ensuring sustainable use of land resources that benefit both farming and herding activities.”The government is advised to increase patrols, deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable areas, and conduct conflict resolution training to deter future violence.”Efforts should be made to provide rehabilitation, counseling, and support services to communities and individuals affected by violence and displacement, in collaboration with relevant agencies.”The enforcement of laws against illegal arms, criminal activities, and unauthorized land use must be prioritized, with offenders prosecuted to uphold law and order”, the communique maintained.