In a tragic incident, Reverend Father Faustinus Gundu, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, has allegedly lost his life due to thunder.
Local sources, yet to be officially verified by authorities, have provided two different accounts of the incident.
According to one version, the priest, affectionately known as ‘Albino,’ was struck by lightning and thunder during a rainstorm on Thursday.
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Another version suggests that he slumped and died.
Witnesses shared that the priest had hurried outside his residence to retrieve a towel from the linen as the rain began.
In the process, he slipped and fell, hitting his head on a hard surface.
Tragically, Reverend Father Gundu was alone at the time of the incident, and there was no immediate assistance available. He remained in the spot where he fell during the duration of the rain.
Local residents reported that he was already deceased by the time people discovered him and attempted to help.
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SP Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Command, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi.
However, she expressed uncertainty regarding whether the priest slumped and died or passed away due to being struck by thunder.