Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache abducted in Benue

By Emmanuel Antswen

A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache has been abducted along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State

Otache who is the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, jegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the kidnappers.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo confirmed the abduction of the priest.

According to the statement, the priest was abducted on Oct. 13.

Itodo also confirmed that Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road.

He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.

He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.

He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.

The Benue Police Command also confirmed the abduction of the priest on Friday

The spokesperson for police in Benue DSP Aondogu Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident.

He also assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.

M(NAN)