Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest In Benue 

From, Attah Ede, Makurdi

 A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache of Otukpo Diocese of Benue State, has been kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

It was gathered that Fr. Otache, who is the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along Otobi-Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was further learnt that the priest was returning home from Otukpo when he ran into his abductors along the lonely stretch of road.

This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday morning.

The statement said that the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, is deeply pained by the development.

Most Rev. Apochi called on all priests, religious, lay faithful and people of goodwill to pray for the quick and safe release of Fr. John.

The statement reads in part: “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 abduction of Fr. Otache adds to the growing list of priests targeted by kidnappers in Benue State in recent times, raising fresh concerns over the safety of clerics who traverse remote roads to serve rural parishes.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to secure his release were said to have been intensified, while the faithful continue in prayers for his safe return.

Effort to get the Benue State command police public relations officer PPRO DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu could not be successful as he could not respond to calls and texts as at the time of filing this report.