The Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jootar, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, Reverend Father Faustinus Gundu, has been reported dead.
There are conflicting reports from local sources regarding the cause of death of the priest.
While some say the priest (popularly called Albino) was struck by lightning, others claimed the reverend father slumped and died.
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.
It was gathered that the late priest 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 the priest slumped and died or he was struck by thunder.
“I received the report but they alleged thunder. It is until we investigate before that would be concluded,” the PPRO said.
