Catholic Priest Kidnapped in Central Nigeria; Diocese Calls for Prayer
A Catholic priest has been abducted in Benue State, Nigeria, marking the latest incident in a region plagued by security challenges. Father John Inalegwu Otache, parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe Awume, was kidnapped on October 13 while returning home from Otukpo.
According to a statement signed by Diocesan Chancellor Rev. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, Father Otache was intercepted by armed men along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe road in the Ohimini Local Government Area.
Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo expressed deep sorrow over the abduction and urged the faithful and broader community to pray for the priest's quick and safe release. The diocese commended Father Otache—and all others held in captivity across Nigeria—to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary as search and rescue efforts continue.
The Diocese of Otukpo is situated in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, a region frequently affected by violent conflicts over land and water resources between local farmers and herders. This incident follows the July 29 kidnapping of seminarian Kelvin Ochai from the bishop’s residence in Otukpo; Ochai successfully escaped two days later.
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