Police confirm kidnapping of Catholic priest in Benue

The Police in Benue State have confirmed that Rev. Fr. John Otache, the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, has been kidnapped.

DSP Aondogu Orchia, the Police Public Relations Officer, shared this news on Friday in Makurdi.

Orchia mentioned that the police have started a full investigation into the case and are actively working to rescue the priest.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo also released a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, the Diocesan Chancellor. The statement said that Otache was taken on October 13.

Itodo explained that "Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area."

He expressed sadness about what happened, noting that the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, is also very upset by this incident.

Itodo called on priests, religious members, the laity, and everyone who cares to pray for the priest’s safe return.

He also asked for prayers for other people who are being held by kidnappers across Nigeria, hoping they will come back home safely.