The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia, confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi, stating that the command had launched an investigation and was working to secure the priest’s release.
Orchia said efforts were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue the cleric.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo disclosed that Otache was abducted on October 13 while returning home from Otukpo.
In a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, the diocese said the priest encountered his abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini LGA.
The development has caused concern within the diocese, with Itodo expressing sadness over the incident.
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He added that the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the abduction.
Following the incident, the diocese called on priests, members of religious communities, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for Otache’s safe and speedy release.
