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Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted by gunmen while returning from Otukpo.
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The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo says the priest was seized along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini LGA on Tuesday, October 13.
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Police have confirmed the abduction and say Fr. Otache remains in captivity as security teams intensify efforts to rescue him.
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The incident is reportedly the second abduction involving a priest serving at St Margaret’s Parish, heightening concern over insecurity in the area.
October 16, (THEWILL) – The Catholic community in Benue State has been thrown into anxiety following the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, priest in charge of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, Ohimini Local Government Area, by gunmen, with police confirming that he remains in captivity.
Fr. Otache was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini LGA while returning from Otukpo.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo announced the abduction in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
According to the Diocese, the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has expressed deep concern over the incident and appealed to Catholics, other Christians, and people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s immediate and safe release.
“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 said.
The Bishop also extended the Church’s prayers to other Nigerians being held by kidnappers across the country.
“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,” he added.
The Diocese did not disclose whether the kidnappers had established contact with the Church or the priest’s family, or whether any ransom demand had been made.
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The Benue State Police Command has, however, confirmed the abduction, saying security personnel are working to rescue the priest.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said Fr. Otache had yet to regain his freedom as of the latest update.
“I can confirm that. It happened on Tuesday. He has not been rescued yet, but our teams are still making efforts to rescue him,” Aondongu said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
