Anxiety As Asailants Abducts Catholic Priest In Oturkpo
From Toryila Kajo, Makurdi
Worshiping community in the Catholic diocese of Oturkpo in Benue State are under confusion following the alleged abduction of one of Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache.
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It was gathered that, Father Otache, who is the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along Otobi-Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
An eye witness account had it that, the said priest was returning home from Otukpo when he ran into his abductors along the lonely stretch of road.
In a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the incident, saying the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, is deeply pained by the development.
He called on all priests, religious, lay faithful and people of goodwill to pray for the quick and safe release of Fr. John from the hands of his abductors unhurt.
“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”, the statement added.
The abduction of Fr. Otache adds to the growing list of priests targeted by kidnappers in Benue State in recent times, raising fresh concerns over the safety of clerics who traverse remote roads to serve rural parishes.
Bishop Apochi, called for credible information as it will be treated with almost confidentiality.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State command, DSP Peter Aondongu, who confirmed the incident in a telephone chat, said efforts are in top gear to rescue the priest.
He called for members of the public to volunteer credible information to the command as it will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
It will be recalled that the bishop of the Catholic diocese of Gboko, had closed five facilities including a parish, school, hospital following the persistent fire incidences within the Ihugh community in Vandeikya Local Government area of Benue state.
