By John Unwaba
Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, marking the second reported abduction of a priest serving at St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume.
Otache, who is in charge of the parish, was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road while returning from Otukpo, according to the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo.
The Diocese disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
The abduction has sparked concern within the Catholic community, with the Bishop of the Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, appealing to Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s safe release.
The statement quoted the bishop as expressing deep pain over the incident and calling for prayers as efforts to secure the priest’s freedom continue.
“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,” the statement said.
The bishop also urged the faithful to remember other people being held by kidnappers across the country.
“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,” he added.
The Diocese expressed hope that the priest and other abducted persons would regain their freedom safely.
It was gathered that the latest incident is the second time a priest serving at St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, has been kidnapped.
Confirming the abduction, the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the priest had yet to be rescued as security operatives continued efforts to secure his release.
“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.
