Residents and Catholic faithful in Benue State are in palpable fear and concern following the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume in Ohimini Local Council.
The pastor was caught and whisked away by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 on the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road while returning to his parish from Otukpo, Saturday Guardian writes.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo acknowledged the occurrence in an official statement released on Thursday by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
Catholic Diocese of Otukpo Bishop, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed deep sorrow over the situation and asked to the Christian faithful and good hearted individuals to pray earnestly for the safe return of the priest, as efforts were being strengthened to gain his freedom.
The Chancellor said, “We commend our brother Fr. John and all those in the kidnappers’ den across the country to the efficacious intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in one heart and mind for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors.”
The recent abduction is the second time a priest serving at St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, will be targeted by kidnappers and highlights the continued security concerns against religious leaders and rural communities across the state.
DSP Peter Aondongu, the Benue State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the abduction and claimed that law enforcement authorities were aggressively investigating leads to free the pastor.
“I can confirm it took place on Tuesday. “He has not been rescued yet, but our teams are still working on the rescue,” Aondongu said.
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