Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache
Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, in Benue State, triggering a security operation to secure his safe release. Fr. Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while returning from Otukpo along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road.
The abduction is said to be the second reported kidnapping involving a priest serving at the parish. Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Aondogu Orchia, said tactical teams had been deployed to track down the kidnappers and rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has appealed to the public to intensify prayers for the safe and unharmed return of the abducted cleric. The police have commenced efforts to locate the perpetrators and secure the priest’s release.
