A Catholic priest serving at St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Rev. Fr John Inalegwu Otache, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
According to the statement, Otache was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini LGA while returning from Otukpo.
The abduction has raised concerns within the Catholic community, prompting the Bishop of the Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, to appeal to Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s safe release.
The statement quoted the bishop as saying he was deeply pained by the incident and had called on the faithful across the diocese and other well-meaning Nigerians to pray for Otache’s safe return.
“The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, is deeply pained by this sad development and has earnestly requested all Christ’s Faithful in the Diocese and all people of goodwill to pray for the quick and safe release of Fr John as we intensify efforts to ensure his release,” the statement read.
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“United in one heart and mind, 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 from the hands of their abductors.”
The diocese also urged the public to pray for the priest and other victims held captive by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their speedy and safe release.
It was gathered that this is the second time a priest serving at St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, has been kidnapped.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
“I can confirm that. It happened on Tuesday. He has not been rescued yet, but our teams are still making efforts to rescue him,” he said.
