Catholic Priest John Otache Abducted in Benue

Catholic priest John Otache was abducted while returning from Otukpo on October 13, and Benue police say efforts to rescue him are ongoing. The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and the Benue Police Command confirmed the abduction. The reports available on October 16 did not establish whether he had been rescued or where he was being held. Otache is the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State. The diocese said he was taken along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road as he travelled home from Otukpo. The account was given in a statement by diocesan Chancellor Joseph Itodo. Police spokesperson Aondogu Orchia said the command had begun an investigation and was working to secure Otache’s release. The police account and diocesan statement confirm the abduction, but the reports draw on those same statements rather than separate independent accounts. The Bishop of Otukpo, Michael Apochi, expressed distress over the incident and appealed for prayers for the priest’s safe release. The diocese also called for prayers for other people held by kidnappers. It did not provide further details about the circumstances of the abduction or identify...