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.

Otache, who is in charge of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road while returning from Otukpo.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo announced the incident in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.

The Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed sadness over the abduction and appealed to Christians and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe release.

According to the statement, the bishop urged the faithful to join efforts to secure Otache’s freedom and also remember other people being held by kidnappers across the country in their prayers.

The statement quoted Apochi as saying, “The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, is deeply pained by this sad development and has earnestly requested all Christ’s Faithful in the Diocese and all people of goodwill to pray for the quick and safe release of Fr John as we intensify efforts to ensure his release.

“United in one heart and mind, we commend our brother, Fr John, and all those in the kidnappers’ den throughout the country to the efficacious intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors.”

The incident is reportedly the second time a priest serving at St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, has been kidnapped.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the abduction, 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.

The affected institutions are St Winifred Girls Secondary School, Ihugh; St Thomas Hospital, Ihugh; St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, Ihugh; and St Winifred Parish, Ihugh.

The directive also ordered the withdrawal of pastoral agents from the community.

Ihugh is the hometown of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who was a Catholic priest under the Gboko Diocese before venturing into politics.

The letter conveying the directive was signed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Most Rev William A. Avenya, and the diocesan chancellor, Rev Fr Marcellinus Wende. It was made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday.

Titled “On the Temporary Closure of Catholic Institutions and the Withdrawal of Pastoral Agents from Ihugh,” the letter said the decision followed repeated attacks on Catholic institutions in the community since 2024.

Parts of the letter read, “Over a considerable period, the Catholic institutions in Ihugh have suffered repeated disturbances, attacks and acts of destruction.

“Among these were the recent burning down of the students’ hostels of St. Winifred Secondary School, Ihugh, October 28th, 2025, May 10th, 2026, May 15th, 2026, and October 11th, 2026, acts that have destroyed the shelter of young people entrusted to our care, wiped out the labour and sacrifices of many years, and placed the lives and safety of students, teachers and staff in grave danger.”

The diocese said the hostel fires were not isolated incidents, citing repeated burglaries at St Winifred Parish, criminal incidents at St Thomas Hospital and disturbances during the hospital’s reopening on June 21, 2024.

According to the letter, some residents displayed placards and chanted slogans declaring that they no longer wanted fthe Reverend Sisters to work in Ihugh.

The diocese described the incidents as a pattern of hostility and destruction directed at church-owned properties, saying they had left fear, loss and uncertainty among those serving the community and those receiving services from the Church.

It said it had met with the host community, engaged traditional rulers and elders, and presented its grievances to relevant civil and security authorities before reaching the decision.

“Sadly, these sincere efforts have not yielded the peace, security and guarantees that the continued presence of our institutions requires.

“We have done all that depends on us. The attacks have continued, and no assurance of lasting safety has been secured,” the letter further read.

As an alternative, the diocese said pupils and students of the primary and secondary schools would be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic schools within the diocese.

It added that patients of St Thomas Hospital would be referred and handed over to other health facilities, with arrangements made to protect those requiring urgent medical attention.

“Staff affected by this decision will be treated with justice and charity, in accordance with Church teaching on the dignity of labour,” the letter concluded.

When contacted by telephone on Tuesday, Avenya confirmed the letter, saying, “Yes, we have suspended activities there.”

The victims were rescued on 7th October 2026 at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations. They have since been taken for medical assessment and necessary care.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, as the Police and other security agencies sustain coordinated operations towards bringing all culpable persons to justice.

The Nigeria Police Force appreciates members of the public for their cooperation and support and remains committed to the protection of lives and property, prompt response to security threats and continued collaboration with sister security agencies.

CSP ANI INIEDU, anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
7th October 2026

The affected areas are Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.

The directive was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joyce Ramnap.

According to the statement, the curfew took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, and restricts movement between 6:00pm and 6:00am daily until further notice.

“The Plateau State Government has declared an immediate, dusk-to-dawn curfew across Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas to maintain public order and curb emerging security threats in the region,” the statement said.

The government said the measure was introduced to give security agencies the opportunity to restore normalcy and prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

It consequently directed residents in the three affected local government areas to comply with the restriction and plan their daily activities around the curfew hours.

The government urged residents to take the directive seriously and avoid activities that could lead to unnecessary hardship or confrontation during the restricted period.

“Therefore, all residents of affected Local Government Areas are expected to fully comply with the government’s directive for their own safety,” the statement added.

The government also announced a ban on the use of motorcycles within the affected jurisdictions and directed security agencies to enforce both the curfew and the motorcycle restriction.

“So far, security operatives have been directed to strictly enforce the curfew and the ban on use of motor cycles with immediate effect throughout the affected jurisdiction,” Ramnap said.

She, however, assured law abiding residents that security personnel deployed to enforce the measures would operate professionally.

The curfew will remain in place until further notice, with the state government expected to review the restriction based on developments in the security situation across the three local government areas.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President,
Information & Strategy, indicates that President Tinubu expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state.

“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free.

I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss.

You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you,” he said.

The President directed the Service Chiefs to give him regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted are accounted for.

“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life.

My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time. The Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement.” It concludes.

This disturbing incident development threatens the peace and security being consolidated across the State.
‎
‎The Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang is deeply concerned about reports of violence in the community and sympathizes with residents and families affected by the incident. While regretting this terrible occurrence, the “Time is Now” administration is calling on members of the community to remain calm, avoid any form of reprisal and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, as security agencies continue efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
‎
‎Furthermore, the Governor has called on the relevant security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols in Bin Mper, Kombun District and other vulnerable communities in Mangu LGA, while urging residents to provide credible and timely information that could assist security personnel in identifying and apprehending those responsible.
‎
‎The Plateau State Government reiterates that the protection of lives and property remains a priority of the administration. It will continue to work with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, religious leaders and security agencies to strengthen peaceful coexistence and prevent the escalation of violence.
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‎It further appeals to all residents of Bin Mper and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant, peaceful , law-abiding and to report any suspicious behaviour to relevant authorities.
‎
‎
‎Signed:
‎
‎Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap,mni
‎Honorable Commissioner for Information and Communication
‎Plateau State
‎August 18, 2026

The President stated this on Thursda y while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking on the recent rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Tinubu said the government rejected the kidnappers’ demands, which included the payment of ransom and the release of detained members of their criminal network.

“We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs who had already been arrested. That was one of their conditions, apart from the money they were looking for, and we said, ‘No deal.’

“We are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder, and we were ready to finish with them,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that some of the criminal elements operating in Nigeria were foreign nationals, adding that insecurity in neighbouring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic had worsened Nigeria’s security challenges.

He disclosed that the Federal Government was strengthening the nation’s security architecture by increasing military formations from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time against terrorism and banditry.

“We refuse to pay ransom. We know the geography of the forests. We know what it is, and in response to it, you have seen that we are moving from eight divisions to 12 divisions to shorten the response time and give that response the teeth needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry,” Tinubu stated.

The President also reaffirmed his support for the establishment of state police, assuring Nigerians that safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse while giving traditional rulers a role in community policing.

“We will have state police, and that state police will have guardrails against abuse. We will protect it from abuse, and you traditional rulers too will have a role to play,” he said.

He added that the Federal Government was strengthening the capacity of forest guards to tackle criminal activities within forest reserves.

“We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase criminals and deal with them in the forests,” Tinubu said.

The President stressed the importance of intelligence gathering and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious persons and activities within their communities.

According to him, security agencies are constantly reviewing their strategies to address emerging threats, noting that every incident provides lessons for improving operations.

Tinubu also pledged to hold regular consultations with traditional rulers across the country to receive their recommendations on governance and security.

He commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity and called on state governors to invest increased federal allocations in projects that enhance security and connectivity.

The President’s remarks come weeks after security operatives rescued 44 pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.

Three suspects linked to the abduction have since been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related offences, while five others are currently facing trial over the attack.

The Oyo State Government has also strengthened its security operations with the deployment of two surveillance aircraft to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response across the state.

Channels Television

The appeal was contained in an open letter jointly signed by members of the Oyedokun family and addressed to the President on Tuesday.

The family expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers after nearly two months in captivity.

According to the family, the successful rescue operation restored hope to many families, but theirs remains in mourning because Oyedokun’s body has not been recovered.

“We sincerely thank Your Excellency for the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security and intelligence agencies whose dedication and sacrifice led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims in Oyo State.

“The safe return of these victims has restored hope to their families and reaffirmed our confidence in the Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and liberty of its citizens. For this, we are deeply grateful,” the letter read.

The family said the inability to recover Oyedokun’s remains has prolonged their grief and denied them the opportunity to give him a dignified burial.

“Our beloved relative, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, tragically lost his life while in captivity. Although the rescue operation was successful, his remains have yet to be recovered and returned to us for a dignified burial in accordance with our faith, traditions, and values.

“The absence of his body has prolonged our grief and denied our family the closure that every human being deserves. We continue to live with the pain of not knowing where he rests, unable to perform the final rites that would honour his memory and bring peace to our hearts,” the family stated.

The family appealed to President Tinubu to direct security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the slain teacher’s remains, expressing confidence that the same determination that secured the release of the surviving victims could also bring closure to their family.

“Your Excellency, we respectfully appeal that you direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the remains of Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun.

“We are confident that the same resolve which secured the freedom of the surviving victims can also ensure that his body is returned to his family,” the letter added.

The family further described the recovery of Oyedokun’s body as a humanitarian obligation that would restore dignity to his memory and allow them to begin the healing process.

“Recovering his remains is more than a humanitarian act; it is a solemn obligation that reflects the dignity of every Nigerian life. It would demonstrate that no citizen is forgotten, abandoned, or denied dignity, even in death.

“We earnestly hope this appeal will receive your compassionate and urgent consideration, so that we may finally lay our beloved husband, father, brother, and son to rest with the honour and dignity he deserves, and begin the difficult journey toward healing,” the letter stated.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the rescued principal of Community High School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, disclosed that Oyedokun was beheaded by the kidnappers on the second day of captivity, while another teacher, Esiyan Adegboye, was shot dead during the attack.

According to Alamu, the abductors killed the two teachers to pressure the government into meeting their demands.

While Adegboye’s body was recovered and buried in Ogbomoso on May 22, Oyedokun’s remains have yet to be found despite the successful rescue of the remaining abducted pupils and teachers after 57 days in captivity.

In a statement, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Intelligence Agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for their efforts, which led to the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren.

Archbishop Okoh described the rescue as a moment of great relief and gratitude, noting that the successful operation reflects the commitment of the nation’s security institutions to protecting lives and restoring hope to affected families.

The CAN President also assured that the Christian Association of Nigeria will continue to pray for the full recovery, healing and rehabilitation of all those rescued, while urging sustained efforts to strengthen security across the country and prevent similar incidents.