By Dan Zendesha 

Gboko, Benue State has been thrown into shock following the death of a young woman, Rita Nguemo, amid serious allegations involving a Catholic priest serving in Lagos State. Family members allege she suffered abuse, recorded evidence, and later died suddenly in her sleep.

Gboko, Benue State — A wave of grief and controversy has engulfed a family in Benue State following allegations surrounding the death of a young woman identified as Rita Nguemo, with claims pointing to a Catholic priest allegedly linked to the incident.

Family sources allege that Reverend Father Linus Terhide Adeke, a Catholic priest based in Lagos State and said to be an uncle to the deceased on her maternal side, brought Rita from Benue under the pretext of supporting her education and university training.
According to the allegations, what was initially presented as assistance allegedly turned into repeated abuse within the household.

The family further claimed that Rita secretly recorded an incident using her mobile phone, which later became key evidence in the matter. It was gathered that she fled the residence after securing the recording and contacted her father, forwarding a voice note detailing her experience.

The matter was reportedly raised within the family, where the priest allegedly did not deny the accusations when confronted, according to family accounts.

However, the issue was not immediately reported to security agencies as the family reportedly opted to await further discussion, especially as the priest was said to be expected in Benue during Easter for a face-to-face resolution.

Tension deepened when Rita’s father allegedly suffered a health setback after receiving the information and was admitted for treatment at a facility in Gboko.

Further claims from the family suggest that Rita was later confirmed pregnant after undergoing medical examination at a laboratory in Ajah, Lagos.

She reportedly returned to Benue and stayed with relatives while working with a family she had been assisting. However, she allegedly complained of repeated threats, claiming she was warned against speaking about the incident.

Shortly after, Rita was said to have died in her sleep under circumstances that have since raised widespread concern and unanswered questions within the community.

There has been no official statement from the Nigeria Police Force or confirmation of any formal investigation into the allegations.