Terrorists Abduct Catholic Priest in Benue as Police Launch Rescue Operation

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.