From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, a Catholic priest serving in the Diocese of Otukpo.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Aondongu Orcbia, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation on Friday in Makurdi.
He said the priest was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and had yet to be released.
Orcbia said the police were making concerted efforts to rescue the priest and secure his safe return.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo also confirmed the incident in a statement issued on October 15, 2026, and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
According to the statement, Fr. Otache, who is the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was kidnapped along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State while returning from Otukpo.
The statement said the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed regret over the incident and called on the faithful and people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s quick and safe release.
The bishop also urged continued prayers as efforts were intensified to secure Fr. Otache’s freedom.
The incident is particularly concerning as it marks the second time a priest serving at St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, has been kidnapped.
The situation has raised renewed concerns about the safety of Catholic priests and other residents travelling along roads in parts of Benue State, where security challenges remain a major concern.
