- Bishop urges prayers for his safety, speedy release
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command has commenced full investigation into the incident, adding that efforts are ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Rev. Fr. Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the gunmen along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, is deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.