The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Reverend Athanasius Atule Usuh is dead after battling with a protracted illness.

Friday LEADERSHIP gathered yesterday that Bishop Usuh died in Abuja in an undisclosed hospital. There was pandemonium in Makurdi and other major towns of Benue State as sympathizers thronged the Bishop House to confirm the sad news.

Usuh had faced serious health challenges lately but he was as cheerful and doughty as ever in ministering to his flock. He has been in and out of Germany for treatment.

The late Bishop was ordained on 19th December, 1971 at St. John’s Parish Gboko and was posted to St. Patrick’s Parish Taraku in January 1973. The Catholic Director of Communication, Rev. Fr. Moses Iorapuu confirmed the death to newsmen yesterday and described the demise as a big loss to the Catholic community.