Concern over the safety of clergy in Benue South has deepened following the abduction of a Catholic priest in Ohimini Local Government Area – the second time a priest serving at the same parish has been kidnapped.
The victim, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, along the Otobi-Amejo – Ajegbe Road while returning from Otukpo.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, which announced the incident on Thursday, said in a statement signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, that the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
Bishop Apochi called on the faithful and all people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s quick and safe release, assuring that efforts were being intensified to secure his freedom.
The latest abduction has heightened anxiety among residents, given that about three years ago, another priest serving at the same parish, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adikwu, was kidnapped by gunmen. The recurrence has sparked fresh concerns about the vulnerability of priests and the general insecurity along the Otobi-Amejo – Ajegbe corridor.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command has confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia, said on Friday in Makurdi that investigation had commenced and that efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
As of press time on Friday, Fr. Otache was yet to be released.
While appealing for sustained prayers for the abducted priest and others in captivity, the Diocese and residents have renewed calls for improved security to protect clergy, commuters and rural communities in Benue South.
