Armed men kidnap a Catholic priest in Benue

Gunmen have kidnapped a Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Inalegwu Otache, along Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe road in Ohimini Local Government Area of ​​Benue State, prompting a police investigation and renewed calls for his safe release.

Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 while traveling from Otukpo.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its diocesan chancellor, Reverend Father Joseph Aboyi Itodo. Project reports

The development has raised new concerns about the safety of religious leaders and other travelers in the area, especially as the abduction comes in the context of previous incidents involving clergy members serving in the diocese.

The police launch investigations and intensify rescue efforts

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the report of kidnapping, saying it had started investigations and was working to secure the release of the priest.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the accident occurred on Tuesday while the priest was traveling from Ohimini area towards Otukpo.

According to him, the command is working to locate the kidnapped cleric and bring him to safety.

Aondongu said the priest had not yet been rescued as of Friday, adding that police personnel were trying to establish the circumstances of the incident and secure his freedom.

The police confirmation came as the Catholic diocese of Otukpo appealed for prayers and support for the priest, whose whereabouts were still uncertain at the time of reporting.

While details about the kidnapping remain limited, the incident has once again drawn attention to safety concerns along rural roads in Benue state, where residents and travelers need protection from attacks by armed criminals.

The diocese launches an appeal for prayer

In its statement, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo expressed sadness over the kidnapping, saying that the Bishop of Otukpo, Mgr. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, was deeply saddened by the incident.

The diocese called on priests, religious, lay people and other well-meaning people to pray for Otache’s quick and safe release.

He also urged people to remember those held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope that they can regain freedom and reunite with their families.

The appeal reflects the concern of the Catholic community for the fate of the kidnapped priest and the uncertainty experienced by the families and colleagues of the kidnapped people.

The diocese did not provide further details on the circumstances of the kidnapping or identify those responsible.

Repeated abductions are a cause for concern

The Otache abduction is particularly worrying because St. Margaret Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, has previously been associated with a similar incident involving its clergy.

About three years ago, Reverend Father Anthony Adikwu, who was also the parish priest of the church, was reportedly kidnapped by armed men.

The latest incident has therefore revived concerns about the safety of religious leaders serving communities in Ohimini Local Government Area and the need for stronger security measures to protect members of the clergy and other residents.

In another incident, a seminarian identified as Kelvin Ochai was allegedly kidnapped from the bishop’s residence in Otukpo on July 9, 2026.

Subsequent incidents involving members of the Catholic community have heightened anxiety among faithful and residents, with calls for greater security and more effective measures to prevent kidnappings.

While the circumstances of individual incidents may be different, their recurrence highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating such cases, strengthening security in vulnerable locations and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

He calls for a safe release

For now, attention remains focused on efforts to save Otache and reunite him with his parish and the broader Catholic community.

Police said rescue efforts were underway, while the diocese continued to ask for prayers for the priest and other victims of the kidnapping.

The accident also highlights the challenges facing safety agencies in protecting people traveling along rural roads, particularly in communities where access to rapid emergency assistance may be limited.

Residents hope that the ongoing investigation will lead to the safe recovery of the priest and that measures will be taken to prevent further attacks against religious leaders and other members of the public.

While the search continues, the immediate priority remains securing Otache’s release and ensuring his safe return to his pastoral duties.