A Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Inalegwu Otache, has been abducted by unidentified gunmen along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, prompting a police investigation and efforts to secure his release.

Otache, the parish priest of St Margaret’s Catholic Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while returning home from Otukpo.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Joseph Itodo, expressing sadness over the abduction and appealing for prayers for the priest’s safe return.

The Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Reverend Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, was said to be deeply distressed by the development and called on priests, religious members, Catholic faithful and other well-meaning Nigerians to pray for Otache’s speedy and safe release.

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The diocese also appealed for prayers for other people being held by kidnappers across the country.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the Benue State Police Command said it had commenced a full investigation into the abduction.

The police spokesperson, DSP Aondogu Orchia, said efforts were ongoing to locate the priest and secure his release.

As of Friday, October 16, there had been no official announcement confirming that Otache had been rescued.

Reports also indicated that this was the second time a priest serving at St Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume had been abducted, raising further concerns about the safety of clergy and other residents in the area.

The latest incident comes amid wider security concerns in Benue State, where communities have faced attacks, kidnappings and other violent incidents. The Catholic Diocese of Gboko recently ordered the closure of several church-run institutions in Ihugh following repeated security threats.

Although the developments have heightened concern over the safety of religious personnel and church institutions in the state, authorities have not established a connection between the separate incidents.

The police have urged the public to support lawful efforts to address insecurity as the investigation and search for the abducted priest continue.

The action followed the circulation of a viral video showing individuals suspected of belonging to a cult group celebrating at the renovated Abuloma Police Outpost in Port Harcourt alongside some police officers.

The incident has triggered an investigation into who financed the renovation, whether the project received the necessary approval and whether any police personnel breached professional standards by associating with the individuals involved.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a full investigation into the controversy, according to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe.

The two affected officers were reportedly queried and relieved of their duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The action is an administrative measure and does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing by either officer.

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The controversy intensified after footage circulated online showing several individuals at the renovated facility. Some were reportedly wearing white shirts and black trousers, with red fez caps and black berets, while taking photographs with police officers and chanting slogans.

The online anti-cultism platform Naija Confra also circulated footage and photographs purportedly showing the gathering. Reports suggested that the event coincided with the anniversary of the Vikings confraternity, although the identities and affiliations of those involved have not been conclusively established by the police.

The investigation is expected to determine who organised and funded the renovation, which officers authorised the work and whether the individuals involved had any improper relationship with police personnel.

The command is also examining whether the incident compromised the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force or created the impression that suspected criminal groups could gain influence within law enforcement institutions.

The development has raised concerns about public confidence in policing and the safeguards required when private individuals or organisations contribute to the renovation of police facilities.

The police command clarified that it does not prohibit legitimate donations or community assistance for improving police infrastructure. However, such contributions must comply with established procedures and must not compromise police independence, security or professional standards.

The command cited Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, while stressing that assistance to police facilities must be handled transparently and in accordance with the law.

It warned that financial contributions or infrastructure support would not exempt anyone from investigation if evidence of criminal conduct emerged.

The command further stated that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action, while evidence of criminal wrongdoing would be handled in accordance with the law.

The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the renovation and determine whether any individual or officer violated established rules.

The police urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist the investigation and support security operations across Rivers State.

The Osun State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged murder of Seun Ajayi in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, recovering an axe, two double-edged knives and three mobile phones during the investigation.

The arrests followed the fatal attack on Ajayi at a barbing salon in the Oja-Ale area of Ikire on October 3, 2026. Police said the investigation also uncovered allegations of threats against residents of a neighbouring community and a possible link between the principal suspect and an earlier deadly incident.

The suspects were identified as Nurudeen Ademakinwa, 30, also known as Igboya Aye-nuru; Agboluaje Usman, 23; and Awoniran Toheeb, 20.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed the arrests in a statement, explaining that the incident occurred at about 6pm on the day of the killing.

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According to the police, Ajayi was having his hair cut with a friend when armed assailants allegedly stormed the salon and attacked them with dangerous weapons. Ajayi was reportedly macheted to death, while his companion escaped and reported the incident at the Ikire Divisional Police Headquarters at about 7:30pm.

Following the report, police launched an investigation that led to the arrest of Ademakinwa and the two other suspects during an intelligence-led operation on October 5.

Items recovered during the operation included one axe, two double-edged knives and three Android mobile phones. The police have not publicly detailed the forensic findings, if any, connecting each recovered item to the killing.

The command further alleged that Ademakinwa had sent threatening voice messages to some residents of Wasimi community, warning them to leave the area or face unspecified consequences.

Police also linked the principal suspect to an incident on August 24, 2026, involving officers attached to the Ikire Divisional Police Headquarters. According to the command, two passers-by were killed during an attack on the police operatives.

The alleged connection to the earlier incident forms part of the wider investigation. However, the claims have yet to be established in court, and the suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.

Ojelabi said investigations were continuing and that the three suspects would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction after the conclusion of the process.

The police have not announced any court judgment against the suspects. Further investigation is expected to establish the individual roles allegedly played by the three men, examine the recovered exhibits and determine whether sufficient evidence exists to prosecute them.