Tension and concern have spread across the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo after gunmen reportedly abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache. The incident has sparked anxiety among parishioners and residents, with many calling for urgent action to secure his safe release.
Fr. Otache, who is the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was kidnapped on Tuesday, along Otobi-Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
It was gathered that the priest was returning home from Otukpo when he ran into his abductors along the lonely stretch of road.
In a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the incident.
According to the statement, the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, is deeply pained by the development and has called on all priests, religious, lay faithful and people of goodwill to pray for the quick and safe release of Fr. John.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
The abduction of Fr. Otache adds to the growing list of priests targeted by kidnappers in Benue State in recent times, raising fresh concerns over the safety of clerics who traverse remote roads to serve rural parishes.
