By Awwal Umar Kontagora Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Reverend Father ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Reverend Father James Omeh, Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Gulu, and Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai Local Government Area.
In a condolence message issued on Monday in Minna by his Special Adviser on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, the governor described the incident as both painful and unfortunate.
Reverend Father Omeh tragically lost his life on Saturday, May 24, 2025, along the Lapai-Gulu Road, after encountering a collapsed bridge caused by torrential rainfall the previous night. While attempting to make a U-turn near Duma village, his Hilux vehicle was swept away by heavy floodwaters. A female passenger traveling with him also perished in the incident.
Local volunteers and the Sarkin Ruwa (King of Water) from a nearby village later recovered the bodies.
Governor Bago lamented that the revered priest’s life was cut short at a time when his services were most needed by the church and the wider community. He described Reverend Father Omeh as a devoted servant of God, widely respected for his efforts in promoting peace and interfaith harmony.
“Reverend Father James Omeh was more than a religious leader; he was a pillar of peace and unity. His recent engagements with critical stakeholders in Lapai, including the Emir of Lapai, the Divisional Police Officer, and the Local Government Chairman, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence,” the governor noted.
Bago described the priest’s death as a significant loss to the Christian community, the government, and the people of Niger State.
“On behalf of the government and people of Niger State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Catholic Church, and the family of the late Reverend Father Omeh. May God grant him eternal rest,” the statement read.
The incident has reignited concerns over the deteriorating state of the Lapai-Gulu Road, with residents and travelers calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further tragedies.
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