Catholic Priest John Otache Kidnapped in Benue

Reverend Father John Inalegwu Otache, who serves as the Parish Priest of St. Margaret's Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted by gunmen on the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe road in Ohimini Local Government Area. The kidnapping occurred on Tuesday while he was returning from Otukpo.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the abduction in an official statement released on Friday, signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Joseph Aboyi Itodo. The Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed that the incident is deeply painful and called on Christians and people of goodwill to pray for Father Otache's safe and speedy return.

The Benue State Police Command is currently investigating the matter, with DSP Peter Aondongu, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirming that the reported abduction is under investigation. No further details regarding the circumstances of the kidnapping or the identities of the gunmen have been disclosed at this time.