A Catholic priest, Reverend Father James Omeh, parish priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu, Lapai Local Government Area, alongside his passenger, reportedly died after being swept away by strong floodwater over the weekend.

A source from the area revealed that the tragic incident occurred on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at about noon, when the deceased, who was also coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Lapai LGA, traveling in his Hilux vehicle, arrived at the collapsed bridge on the Lapai-Gulu Road, which had been destroyed by torrential rainfall the previous night.

It was gathered that Father Omeh tried to make a U-turn to head towards Duma village; however, his Hilux vehicle was overwhelmed by the strong floodwaters from the collapsed bridge.

Despite his efforts, the priest and his passenger, identified as Charity John, were swept away in the vehicle they were traveling in.

Their bodies were later recovered with the help of local volunteers and the Sarkin Ruwa (King of Water) from a nearby village.

Sources from the community said the Lapai-Gulu Road, where the incident occurred, has been a major concern for the community due to its poor condition.

They explained that members of the community have been calling on the government to urgently intervene to prevent further accidents.

In a related development, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has condoled the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Christian community in the state over the tragic death of the reverend father, which occurred on Saturday.

Bago, in a statement in Minna on Monday by the Special Adviser on Communication, Media, and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, described the tragic death of the Catholic priest as painful and very unfortunate, noting that his passing is a great loss to CAN, the Christian community, and the state at large.

He praised the late priest for his commitment to community peacebuilding and religious harmony in the area.

He noted that Father Omeh would be remembered for his recent efforts to promote unity and peaceful coexistence in the Lapai Local Government Area, including a courtesy visit to the Emir of Lapai and other stakeholders.

The governor extended his heartfelt sympathy to CAN, the Catholic community, and the priest’s family, praying for his eternal rest.