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Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Inalegwu Otache, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, prompting a police investigation and renewed calls for his safe release.
Otache, who serves as the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 while travelling 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. Blueprint reports
The development has raised fresh concerns over the safety of religious leaders and other travellers in the area, particularly as the abduction comes amid previous incidents involving clergy members serving in the diocese.
Police begin investigation, intensify rescue efforts
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the reported abduction, saying it has commenced investigations and is working to secure the priest’s release.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the incident occurred on Tuesday while the priest was travelling from the Ohimini area towards Otukpo.
According to him, the command is making efforts to locate the abducted cleric and bring him to safety.
Aondongu said the priest had yet to be rescued as of Friday, adding that police personnel were pursuing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding 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 remained uncertain at the time of reporting.
Although details surrounding the abduction remain limited, the incident has once again drawn attention to security concerns along rural roads in Benue State, where residents and travellers require protection against attacks by armed criminals.
Diocese appeals for prayers
In its statement, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo expressed sadness over the abduction, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Reverend Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, was deeply pained by the incident.
The diocese called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for Otache’s safe and speedy release.
It also urged people to remember others being held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope that they would regain their freedom and reunite with their families.
The appeal reflects the concern within the Catholic community over the fate of the abducted priest and the uncertainty faced by families and colleagues of people held by kidnappers.
The diocese did not disclose further details about the circumstances of the abduction or identify those responsible.
Repeated kidnappings raise concern
Otache’s abduction is particularly troubling because St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, has previously been associated with a similar incident involving its clergy.
About three years ago, Reverend Father Anthony Adikwu, who also served as 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 clergy members and other residents.
In another incident, a seminarian identified as Kelvin Ochai was reportedly abducted from the Bishop’s Residence in Otukpo on July 9, 2026.
The successive incidents involving members of the Catholic community have heightened anxiety among worshippers and residents, with calls for improved security and more effective measures to prevent kidnappings.
While the circumstances of the separate incidents may differ, their recurrence underscores the importance of investigating such cases thoroughly, strengthening security around vulnerable locations and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
Calls for safe release
For now, attention remains focused on efforts to rescue Otache and reunite him with his parish and the wider Catholic community.
The police have said rescue efforts are ongoing, while the diocese continues to appeal for prayers for the priest and other victims of kidnapping.
The incident also highlights the challenges facing security agencies in protecting people travelling along rural roads, particularly in communities where access to rapid emergency assistance may be limited.
Residents will be hoping that the ongoing investigation leads to the priest’s safe recovery and that measures are taken to prevent further attacks on religious leaders and other members of the public.
As the search continues, the immediate priority remains securing Otache’s release and ensuring his safe return to his pastoral duties.
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