The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Benue State.
According to a statement signed by diocesan chancellor Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, the priest was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi–Amejo–Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The priest was reportedly returning from Otukpo to his parish when he encountered the abductors on a relatively isolated section of the road. The circumstances of the attack and the identity of those responsible were not established in the supplied account.
The Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed distress at the incident and asked clergy, religious communities, parishioners and the wider public to pray for the priest’s safe and prompt return.
The diocese also remembered other people being held by kidnappers around the country, calling for their freedom. The incident has renewed concern about the vulnerability of clergy and residents who travel between rural communities.
The account indicates that efforts to secure Fr. Otache’s release were continuing, but it does not provide a confirmed update on his condition, the response of security agencies or any contact with the abductors. Those details should be verified before further publication updates.
