Benue Police Confirm Abduction of Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia, confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi, saying the command had launched a full investigation into the abduction.
Orchia added that security operatives were making efforts to secure the priest’s safe rescue.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo disclosed that Otache was abducted on October 13, 2026, while returning home from Otukpo.
In a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, the diocese said the priest encountered his abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Itodo expressed sadness over the incident, noting that the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
The diocese called on priests, members of religious communities, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for Otache’s safe and speedy release.
It also appealed for prayers for other people being held by kidnappers across Nigeria, expressing hope that they would return safely to their families.
The police have yet to disclose further details about the circumstances of the abduction or identify those responsible. Efforts to rescue the priest are ongoing.