Gunmen have abducted Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, the priest in charge of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, in what has been described as the second abduction involving a priest serving at the parish.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, and signed by its Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
According to the statement, Otache was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area while returning from Otukpo.
The abduction has raised concern within the Catholic community, prompting the Bishop of the Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, to appeal to Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s safe release.
The statement quoted the bishop as saying: “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.”
The diocese urged the faithful to continue praying for Otache and other victims being held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their speedy and safe release.
It was gathered that this is the second time a priest serving at St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, has been kidnapped.
Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the priest had yet to be rescued, adding that security operatives were working to secure his release.
“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.
As of the time of filing this report, the priest remained in the hands of his abductors.
