Nigeria: Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest in Benue

Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, in Benue State, triggering a police rescue operation.

Fr. Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume in Ohimini Local Government Area, was reportedly ambushed on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while travelling back from Otukpo along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road.

The incident is the second reported abduction involving a priest serving at the parish.

Confirming the abduction, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Aondogu Orchia, said tactical teams have been deployed to track down the perpetrators and secure the priest’s safe release.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has appealed to members of the public to intensify prayers for the safe and unharmed return of the abducted priest.