Niger Governor Bago Condoles with CAN and the Catholic Community on the Death of a Priest
From Our Correspondent.
The Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has extended his condolences to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the entire Christian community in the state following the tragic death of Reverend Father James Omeh of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gulu, Lapai Local Government Area.
In a statement issued in Minna on Monday by his Special Adviser on Communication, Media, and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, the governor described Father Omeh’s death as painful and unfortunate.
He expressed his sorrow that the priest’s life was cut short just when his services were most needed by the Christian community and the entire St. Anthony Church in Gulu.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, May 24, 2025, along the Lapai-Gulu Road, resulting in the death of Father Omeh and a female passenger.
According to reports, Father Omeh was traveling back to Gulu when he encountered a collapsed bridge after heavy rainfall the previous night. Unable to proceed, he attempted to make a U-turn to return to a nearby village, but his vehicle was swept away by strong floodwaters from the collapsed bridge.
It was reported that Father Omeh, who was driving himself, struggled in vain to escape, and both he and his passenger were ultimately swept away. Their bodies were later recovered with the assistance of local volunteers and the Sarkin Ruwa (king of water) from a nearby village.
In his condolence message, Governor Bago emphasized that Father James Omeh was a devoted Catholic priest, widely respected for his commitment to community peace-building.
He noted that the priest’s death is a significant loss not only to CAN and the Christian community in the state and country but also to the government and the people of Niger State.
The governor highlighted that Father Omeh will be remembered for his sacrifices for community peace and for promoting religious harmony in the area.He stated, “Until his death, he remained a respected Reverend Father who will be missed by all.”
“On behalf of the government and people of the state, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Catholic community, and the immediate family of the deceased. I pray that God Almighty grants him eternal rest,” the statement concluded.
Part of Father Omeh’s peace-building efforts included a recent courtesy visit to key stakeholders in Lapai Local Government, such as the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umar Bago Tafida III, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), and the Local Government Chairman.
He led a delegation of CAN Executives on the visit to reaffirm CAN’s commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the area.
The condition of the Lapai-Gulu Road remains a significant concern for residents and travelers, with community members urging the government to take urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
