Follow Us on Google
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Benue State has announced the abduction of a priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache. Fr. Otache, who is the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along Otobi Amejo – Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State while returning from Otukpo.
The Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, announced this in a statement issued on October 15th, 2026 and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo. Bishop Apochi, in the statement, said the Diocese is deeply pained by the development and has called on all Christ’s faithful and people of goodwill to pray for the quick and safe release of Fr. Otache as efforts are intensified to secure his freedom.
The letter read “It is with great sadness that we write to notify you of the kidnap of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache. He is the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe – Awume. The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, 13° October, 2026. Fr. John was going home from Otukpo when he ran into the kidnappers along Qntobi Amejo – Ajegbe Road in Ohimini LGA, Benue State.
Other News
“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.
“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.”
When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu confirmed the incident. He said they were told he was coming from Ohimini and going to Otukpo when he was abducted. The PPRO said “Yes, I can confirm that. It happened on Tuesday. He has not been rescued yet but our teams are still making efforts to rescue him.”
