How Lightning Killed Catholic Priest In Benue
A Catholic priest identified as Rev. Fr. Faustinus Ukenongo Gundu has been reportedly killed by lightning in Benue State, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.
According to eyewitness reports, Gundu, an albino, was struck by lightning and died on the spot on Thursday.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the incident happened at his church in Jootar Mbaterem in Mbayenge Ward of Ukum Local Government Area.
Gundu was said to be the Parish Priest in charge of St. Joseph Catholic Church Jootar until his reported sudden death.
An eyewitness, Emberga T. Joseph, posted in a popular Facebook group, Benue News Link Makurdi: “Black Thursday. Thunder lightning killed Rev FR. GUNDU (ABINO) Benue state Ukum LGA. Rest in peace.”
Another eyewitness, Aga Linus, wrote on his Facebook page: “Just in, Thunder strike and killed the parish priest in charge of Jootar in Ukum LG Rev. Fr Gundu. May your soul rest in peace Rev.”
Similarly, Olikita Ekani, a former media aide to the immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, also posted about the incident on his Facebook page.
He wrote, “Just in: Rev. Fr. Gundu slumps to death as thunder hits Jootar.
“Until his demise today, Rev fr. Faustinus Ukenongo Gundu (fondly called Albino) was the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church Jootar, Ukum LGA of Benue State.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace!”
Scores of parishioners and other mourners flooded the comment sections of posts about the incident with farewell notes to the Catholic priest.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
