The Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jootar, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, Reverend Father Faustinus Gundu, has allegedly been killed by lightning.
Local sources yet to be verified by authorities reportedly narrated the incident in dual version.
A version said the deceased priest whom they popularly referred to as “Albino” was struck by lightning during the rain earlier on Thursday, while another said he slumped and died.
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The witnesses, however, claimed that the deceased priest had rushed outside his house to pick a towel from the linen soon after the rain began but slipped and fell hitting his head on a hard surface.
Our correspondent further learnt that the late Gundu was alone at the time of the incident and had no one to immediately help him so he remained on the spot where he fell down while the rain lasted.
Locals said that he had died by the time people discovered him and tried to help out.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi.
Anene was however not certain about whether he slumped and died or he died as a result of being struck by thunder.
“I received the report but they alleged thunder. It is until we investigate before that would be concluded,” the PPRO said.
