The abducted parish priest of St. Margaret Catholic Church, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, has regained his freedom after five days in captivity.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that Otache was rescued alongside five other kidnap victims by security personnel on Sunday, October 18.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Aondogu Orchia, said the rescued victims were taken to the Otukpo Teaching Hospital for medical examinations.
Otache was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, while returning home from Otukpo. According to a statement issued by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, the priest encountered his abductors along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The incident caused concern within the diocese, with the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressing deep sadness over the abduction.
Following the priest’s release, the diocese expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the priests, religious members, lay faithful and other well-wishers who supported the efforts to secure his safe return through prayers and solidarity.
The diocese also called for prayers for other people still being held captive by criminal groups across the country.
Otache’s abduction comes about three months after Kelvin Ochai, a seminarian, was reportedly abducted from the bishop’s residence in Otukpo.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Gboko recently ordered the temporary closure of some of its institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, citing repeated security attacks in the community.
