Catholic Priest Otache Abducted in Benue, Police Investigate

Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted on Tuesday while returning from Otukpo. The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the abduction in a statement issued on Friday, signed by Diocesan Chancellor Reverend Father Joseph Aboyi Itodo.

The Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed deep pain over the incident and urged Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release. The statement also indicated that efforts were being intensified to secure Otache's release, noting that this incident marks the second time a priest from St. Margaret’s Parish has been kidnapped.

Police Public Relations Officer for Benue command, DSP Peter Aondongu, stated that the command is investigating the reported abduction, confirming that the incident occurred on Tuesday and that Otache has not yet been rescued. Aondongu mentioned that police teams are actively working to secure his release.