Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
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.
