Catholic Priest Still Held
A Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Otache, remains in captivity following his abduction by gunmen along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The police and the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo have confirmed the incident, saying efforts are ongoing to secure his safe release.
Father Otache, who serves as the parish priest of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, while returning from Otukpo, according to a statement issued by the diocese’s chancellor, Joseph Itodo.
The Benue State Police Command has also confirmed the kidnapping.
Police spokesperson Peter Aondongu says the priest has not yet been rescued, but security personnel are continuing efforts to locate him and secure his release.
The abduction has sparked concern among members of the Catholic community, with the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Reverend Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, appealing to Christians and other people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s safe return.
In a statement released by the diocese, the bishop expressed deep concern over the incident and urged the faithful to support efforts aimed at securing Father Otache’s release.
The diocese also called for prayers for other Nigerians being held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope that they would regain their freedom safely.
Reports indicate that this is not the first time a priest serving at St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, has been abducted, raising further concerns about the safety of religious leaders and communities in the area.
The latest incident comes amid wider security concerns affecting Catholic institutions in other parts of Benue State.
Just days earlier, the Catholic Diocese of Gboko announced the indefinite closure of several church-run institutions in Ihugh following repeated attacks, arson and other security incidents.
The affected facilities include St Winifred Secondary School, St Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St Thomas Hospital, Salus Mudi Care Centre and St Winifred Parish.
According to the diocese, student hostels at St Winifred Secondary School had been set ablaze four times between October 2025 and October 2026. The church also cited repeated burglaries and other criminal incidents involving its properties.
In a pastoral letter dated October 12, the Bishop of Gboko, Most Reverend William Avenya, and the diocesan chancellor, Marcellinus Wende, directed the withdrawal of priests, consecrated persons and other diocesan personnel from the affected institutions.
The diocese said it had engaged community leaders and security authorities but had yet to receive the lasting security guarantees needed to continue operating safely.
Although the priest’s abduction and the attacks on institutions in Ihugh occurred in different locations, both incidents have renewed concerns about the security of religious personnel and church facilities in Benue State.
However, available reports have not established any direct connection between the incidents.
For now, attention remains focused on the ongoing rescue efforts and the safe return of Father John Otache, as calls grow for stronger protection of communities and religious institutions across the state.
