Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest, police launch rescue operation
Gunmen have abducted Rev. Fr. John Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo disclosed the abduction in a statement on Thursday and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo.
The statement said Otache was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, on the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe road in Ohimini Local Government Area while returning from Otukpo.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, has expressed deep concern over the incident.
He appealed to Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s safe release.
The statement quoted the bishop 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.”
This is the second time a priest serving at St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, has been kidnapped.
Confirming the abduction, the spokesperson for the Police Command in the state, DSP Peter Aondongu, said efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
“It happened on Tuesday.
“He has not been rescued, but our teams are still making efforts to rescue him,” he said.
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