Ortom consoles Catholic Diocese of Makurdi over priest’s demise

By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has sent a message of condolence to the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese and the entire Catholic community in the State over the demise of one its foremost priests, Rev. Father Michael Murphy.

Rev. Murphy who is the longest serving Catholic Priest in Benue State who recently celebrated his 60th year as a priest was reported dead on Monday, November 28, 2022 in Makurdi, Benue State after a brief illness at the age of 94 year.

In a press statement signed by Nathaniel Ikyur, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to Nigerian NewsDirect on Monday, the condolence message addressed to the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe, Ortom noted the exploits of the deceased priest in evangelicalism and how he turned things around for good.

He described the late Rev. Murphy as an exceptional servant of God who preached salvation and impacted positively every where he served.

Ortom recalled the support and contributions of the late Priest to the people and government of the state through his charity works to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) especially during violent attacks on citizens of the state by herdsmen.

The Governor stated that Rev. Murphy was a great soldier of Christ who would stop at nothing to convey the message of salvation to the people no matter the odds.

“Rev. Murphy was a unique priest. He was calm but blunt and frank to a fault. He upheld the sanctity of truth at all times. He craved for a peaceful society where justice, fairness and equity should be the grundnorm,” the Governor stated.

He added, “His exit at this time is painful, but we are consoled that Rev. Murphy’s legacy of selfless service to mankind especially to the poor and the vulnerable will remain ever green.”

The Governor prayed that God in His infinite mercy grants him eternal rest.