Palpable fear and anxiety have enveloped residents and the Catholic faithful in Benue State following the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume in Ohimini Local Council.

The cleric was allegedly intercepted and taken away by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road while returning to his parish from Otukpo.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the incident in an official statement issued on Thursday by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.

Expressing deep grief over the incident, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, appealed to the Christian faithful and well-meaning citizens to pray fervently for the priest’s unhurt return, even as efforts were being intensified to secure his freedom.

“United in one heart and mind, we commend our brother, Fr. John, and all those in the kidnappers’ den throughout the country to the efficacious intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors,” the Chancellor added.

This latest abduction marks the second time a priest serving at St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, would be targeted by kidnappers, highlighting the persistent security threats facing religious leaders and rural communities across the state.

Also confirming the abduction, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, stated that law enforcement agencies were actively pursuing leads to rescue the clergyman.

“I can confirm that it happened on Tuesday. He has not been rescued yet, but our teams are still making efforts to rescue him,” Aondongu said.