Catholic Church announces kidnapping of reverend father in Benue

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo has announced the kidnapping of one of its priests, Rev. Fr. John Otache.

The priest, who is in charge of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ohinmini Local Government Area of Benue, was reportedly abducted along Qntobi Amejo — Ajegbe Road within the LGA.

According to the statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, the Church noted that the priest was kidnapped on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Abiodun’s industrial revolution: Ogun lines up $17bn investment

The statement read in part, “It is with great sadness that we write to notify you of the kidnapping of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache.

“He is the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe – Awume. The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, 13° October, 2026. Fr. John was going home from Otukpo when he ran into the kidnappers along Qntobi Amejo — Ajegbe Road in Ohimini LGA, Benue State.

The Church requested the public, especially the Christians, to pray for the quick release of the priest.

Meanwhile, the State Command spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu comfirmed this in a telephone interview on Friday.

He said that the incident was reported to the command and added that officers were making efforts to rescue the priest.

“Yes, the incident was reported; they said he was coming from Ohimini and going to Otukpo. He is a Catholic priest, a Reverend Father. They said it happened on Tuesday.

“The command is making efforts to rescue him,” the PPRO said.