Catholic Priest Abducted In Benue State

A Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Otache, has been abducted by gunmen along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

The priest, who heads St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, while travelling back from Otukpo.

The incident was confirmed by the Benue State Police Command and the diocese, with the police saying efforts were underway to secure his release.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu revealed, “I can confirm that. It happened on Tuesday. He has not been rescued yet, but our teams are still making efforts to rescue him,” .

In response to the abduction, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has called on Christians and other members of the public to pray for the priest’s safe return.

According to a statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Joseph Itodo, the bishop expressed deep sorrow over the incident and appealed for continued prayers as efforts to secure the priest’s release intensify.

The statement said the bishop had requested “all Christ’s faithful in the Diocese and all people of goodwill to pray for the quick and safe release of Fr John.”

The diocese also appealed for prayers for other victims being held by kidnappers across Nigeria, expressing hope that they would regain their freedom safely and soon.