Catholic Priest Abducted By Gunmen In Benue
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.
Otache, who is the parish priest of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, while returning from Otukpo.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that efforts were ongoing to secure the priest’s release.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu, said the priest had yet to be rescued as security operatives continued efforts to locate and free him.
“I can confirm that. It happened on Tuesday. He has not been rescued yet, but our teams are still making efforts to rescue him,” Aondongu said.
Reacting to the abduction, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, appealed to Christians and members of the public to pray for the priest’s safe return.
In a statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Joseph Itodo, the bishop expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged the faithful to sustain their prayers as efforts to secure Otache’s release continued.
The diocese also called for prayers for other Nigerians being held by kidnappers, expressing hope that all victims would regain their freedom safely and soon.
