Benue State Priest Rev. Fr. John Otache Abducted

The Police Command in Benue State confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, Ohimini Local Government Area. The incident occurred on October 13, when Otache was returning home from Otukpo and encountered his abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia, stated that a full investigation has commenced and efforts are ongoing to rescue the priest. The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, through a statement by Diocesan Chancellor Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, expressed sadness over the incident, noting that Bishop Most Rev. Michael Apochi is deeply pained by the development.

The Diocese has urged priests, religious members, and the laity to pray for Otache's safe and speedy release, as well as for others held by kidnappers across the country. This incident follows a previous abduction of a seminarian from the Bishop’s Residence in Otukpo in July 2026.