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Catholic Priest and Passenger Die in Tragic Flood Incident on Lapai-Gulu Road in Niger State
Posted by Gistsnaija.
on 27 May, 2025 |
0
A devastating tragedy struck over the weekend in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, as Reverend Father James Omeh, parish priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu, lost his life in a flood accident.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, May 24, 2025, also claimed the life of his passenger, identified as Charity John.
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According to local sources, the late Father Omeh, who also served as the coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai LGA, was travelling in a Toyota Hilux when he encountered a collapsed bridge along the Lapai-Gulu Road.
The bridge had reportedly given way after heavy rainfall the night before.
Eyewitnesses reported that the priest attempted to make a U-turn toward Duma village upon realizing the road was no longer passable.
Unfortunately, the floodwaters were too powerful, sweeping the vehicle off the road and submerging it. Both the priest and his passenger were tragically swept away by the current.
Their bodies were later recovered by local volunteers and the Sarkin Ruwa (traditional ruler of the waterways) from a nearby community who joined in the rescue effort.
The incident has left the community in mourning and further highlighted the hazardous state of the Lapai-Gulu Road.
Residents have expressed growing concerns over the poor condition of the road, noting that repeated calls to the government for repairs and intervention have gone unanswered.
The collapsed bridge had long been identified as a potential danger spot, particularly during the rainy season.
In response to the incident, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago extended his condolences to the Christian community, the Catholic Church, and the family of the deceased priest.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, the governor described the priest’s death as a painful loss.
Governor Bago praised Father Omeh for his dedication to peacebuilding, religious harmony, and community development.
He noted that the priest had recently taken proactive steps to strengthen unity in Lapai LGA, including visiting the Emir of Lapai and engaging local stakeholders in dialogue.
The governor assured the public that his administration remains committed to improving infrastructure across the state to prevent such tragedies from recurring. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of Father Omeh and Charity John, and offered his deepest sympathy to their loved ones.
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