Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Otache, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
Otache, who serves as the parish priest of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, while returning from Otukpo.
The abduction was confirmed by the Benue State Police Command, which said efforts were ongoing to secure the priest’s release.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident, adding that the priest had yet to be rescued.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo has called on Christians and members of the public to pray for the priest’s safe return.
The Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged the faithful to remain steadfast in prayer as efforts to secure Otache’s release continue.
In a statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Joseph Itodo, the bishop appealed to Christians and other well-meaning individuals to support the priest’s safe return through prayers.
The statement quoted Apochi as urging “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 called for prayers for other victims being held captive by kidnappers across Nigeria, expressing hope that they would regain their freedom safely and soon.
