By Ononye VC
Tragedy struck the Catholic community when Rev. Fr. James Omeh of the Minna Diocese died while traveling to celebrate Sunday Mass.
Despite torrential rains that morning, Fr. Omeh insisted on making the journey, unwilling to disappoint parishioners awaiting spiritual nourishment. His commitment proved fatal when a bridge collapsed beneath his vehicle during the trip.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene but could not save the priest, who perished in the raging waters. The Catholic community now grieves a priest who embodied Christ’s sacrificial love through his daily ministry.
Eyewitnesses described the horrific moment the bridge failed, sending the priest’s car tumbling into the swollen river.
Local fishermen were reported to have joined rescue efforts but faced impossible conditions from the storm-swollen currents.
Bishop Martins of Minna Diocese confirmed the tragedy, calling Fr. Omeh “a bright light extinguished too soon.” Parishioners gathered spontaneously at the accident site, praying the rosary as divers recovered the priest’s body.
The deceased priest’s elderly parents received the news at their village home, where Fr. Omeh regularly visited between pastoral duties. His sister recalled how he would skip meals to attend to sick parishioners at all hours.
Infrastructure failures in rural Niger State have claimed numerous lives recently, with this being the third bridge collapse this rainy season. Community leaders demand immediate government action to prevent further tragedies.
Fr. Omeh’s funeral Mass will take place at St. Michael’s Cathedral, where he actively served as assistant pastor.
The diocese has established a memorial fund to repair dangerous rural roads frequented by clergy.
Report said the Christian Association of Nigeria has declared three days of mourning, while interfaith leaders praise the priest’s work uniting communities across religious divides. The report further disclosed that his Bible, recovered from the riverbank, will be enshrined at the diocesan museum.
As reconstruction begins on the failed bridge, local youths have volunteered to build a small chapel nearby to honor their fallen spiritual father. The site will forever mark where a servant’s journey ended, but his example continues to inspire.
Authorities promise a full investigation into the bridge’s structural integrity while the Church prepares to welcome hundreds of mourners for final farewell rites. Fr. Omeh’s chalice and stole will be passed to a new priest, continuing the cycle of service he cherished.
