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There is palpable fear and anxiety amongst Catholic faithful in Benue State as they pray for the safe return of their priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, who was abducted by gunmen along a lonely road in Ohimini local government area.
Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume in Ohimini, was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi-Amejo-Ajegbe Road while returning from Otukpo.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the abduction in a statement signed by its Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
According to reports, the priest encountered his abductors while travelling along the isolated stretch of road, raising concerns about the safety of residents and religious leaders who travel through rural communities.
The Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, was said to be deeply pained by the incident and called on priests, religious, lay faithful and people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s quick and safe release.
The statement urged the faithful to entrust the abducted priest and other victims of kidnapping across the country to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“We commend our brother, Fr. John, and all those in the kidnappers’ den throughout the country to the efficacious intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release,” the statement said.
As of the time of filing in this report, efforts made to secure Otache’s release were said to have been intensified, while members of the Catholic community continued to pray for his safe return.
Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, Orchia Peter Aondongu, said the Command was aware of the incident and that the Commissioner of Police had already mobilised personnel for a search-and-rescue operation, while investigations continued.
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