Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Benue

A Catholic priest named John Otache has been kidnapped on the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State. The police and the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed this news.

Mr Otache is the priest in charge of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume. He was taken on Tuesday, 13 October, while coming back from Otukpo. This information came from a statement by the Diocesan Chancellor, Joseph Itodo.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Benue, Peter Aondongu, also confirmed the kidnapping. He mentioned that efforts are ongoing to rescue the priest.

“I can confirm that. It happened on Tuesday. He has not been rescued yet, but our teams are still making efforts to rescue him,” Mr Aondongu told Vanguard.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Michael Apochi, urged Christians and other good people to pray for the priest’s safe return.

“The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, is deeply pained by this sad development. He 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 diocese also called for prayers for others who are in the hands of kidnappers across the country. They expressed hope for their quick and safe return.

Vanguard reported that this kidnapping is the second one involving a priest from St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume.