The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
Otache, the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, while returning from Otukpo.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Aondogu Orchia, confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi, saying the command had commenced a full investigation into the abduction.
Orchia added that efforts were ongoing to secure the priest’s release.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo had earlier confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo.
According to the statement, the priest encountered his abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area while travelling home from Otukpo.
The diocese expressed sadness over the incident, noting that the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
It called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
The diocese also urged prayers for other people being held captive by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
