Seminarian Ochai Abducted from Bishop's Residence in Benue

Ochai, a seminarian from the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, was reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday night from the Bishop’s residence in Asa III, Benue. The abduction was confirmed in a statement by Reverend Father Joseph Aboyi Itodo, the Diocesan Chancellor, on Friday.

Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged Christians and people of goodwill to pray for Ochai’s safe return.

The diocese is committed to praying for the protection of all kidnapping victims in Nigeria. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Peter Aondongu stated that the police are currently treating the case as that of a missing person.

He explained that Ochai was last seen leaving his room to take a bath, and after some time, he was not seen again. Aondongu mentioned that there had been a previous attempt to abduct Ochai two weeks prior, which may have led to the assumption of his abduction.