CATHOLIC PRIEST, PASSENGER SWEPT AWAY IN NIGER STATE FLOOD

Read Time:1 Minute, 31 Second

By: Motunrayo Aniwura

A Catholic priest, Reverend Father James Omeh, who served as the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, tragically lost his life along with a female passenger, Charity John, after being swept away by floodwaters over the weekend.

According to a local source, the incident happened around noon on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Father Omeh, who also served as the coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai LGA, was driving his Hilux vehicle when he reached a section of the Lapai-Gulu Road where a bridge had collapsed due to heavy rainfall the night before.

While attempting to make a U-turn towards Duma village to avoid the damaged bridge, his vehicle was caught in the strong flood currents and swept away.

Efforts by locals, including assistance from the Sarkin Ruwa (King of Water) from a nearby village, led to the recovery of the bodies.

Residents noted that the Lapai-Gulu Road has long been in disrepair and posed a danger, with repeated calls made to the government for intervention to prevent such tragedies.

In response to the incident, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed condolences to the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Catholic community, and the bereaved family. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Communication, Media, and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, the governor described the priest’s death as a significant loss and deeply unfortunate.

He commended Father Omeh for his dedication to fostering peace and interfaith harmony, highlighting his recent initiatives, including a courtesy visit to the Emir of Lapai and other local leaders, aimed at promoting unity in the area.

Governor Bago offered prayers for the priest’s eternal rest and extended his heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the loss.