Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest Along Benue Road as Police Launch Rescue Efforts

Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest Along Benue Road as Police Launch Rescue Efforts

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache in Benue State, prompting police to begin efforts to secure his release.

Otache, who serves as the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, Ohimini Local Government Area, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

According to the Church, the priest was travelling home from Otukpo when he encountered his abductors along the Qntobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini.

The Diocese disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.

The Church expressed sadness over the abduction and appealed to members of the public, particularly Christians, to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command has confirmed receiving a report about the incident and said efforts were underway to rescue the cleric.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the development during a telephone interview on Friday.

Aondongu said the priest was reportedly travelling from Ohimini towards Otukpo when the incident occurred on Tuesday.

He assured the public that the police were working to secure the priest’s release.

“The command is making efforts to rescue him,” the police spokesperson said.