A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache, who was abducted along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Council of Benue State, has been rescued alongside three other victims in a joint operation involving security operatives and local vigilantes.

Otache, the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while travelling home from Otukpo.

The victims were freed following sustained search operations across the area and were subsequently taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

A community source familiar with the operation said the police and local vigilantes had been working to secure the victims’ release over the past few days.

“The priest and three other persons were rescued by a team of local vigilantes and the police, who have been working on the matter in the last few days. It was a successful operation, and the victims have been taken to hospital for medical attention,” the source said.

Confirming the rescue, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the joint operation had secured the release of the priest and the other victims.

Residents along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe axis called on security agencies to sustain patrols and strengthen surveillance to prevent further abductions in the area.