Reverend Father James Omeh, the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu, Lapai Local Government Area, and his companion reportedly perished over the weekend after being carried away by powerful floodwaters.
The deceased, who was also the coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Lapai LGA, arrived at the collapsed bridge on the Lapai-Gulu Road, which had been devastated by heavy rains the night before, in his Hilux vehicle at approximately noon on Saturday, May 24, 2025, according to a local source.
Father Omeh reportedly attempted to turn around and drive in the direction of Duma village, but the powerful floodwaters from the fallen bridge overtook his Hilux.
The priest and his trip companion, Charity John, were washed away in the car they were in despite his best attempts.
Later, the Sarkin Ruwa (King of Water) from a nearby hamlet and local volunteers assisted in recovering their remains.
The Lapai-Gulu Road, where the event happened, has been a major source of concern for the community because of its poor state, according to community sources.
They clarified that in order to stop more accidents, community people have been urging the government to act immediately.
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.
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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 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.
