A Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Otache, has been kidnapped by gunmen alongside the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The priest, who heads St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, whereas travelling again from Otukpo.
The incident was confirmed by the Benue State Police Command and the diocese, with the police saying efforts have been underway to safe his launch.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu revealed, “I can confirm that. It happened on Tuesday. He has not been rescued yet, but our teams are still making efforts to rescue him,” .
In response to the kidnapping, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has referred to as on Christians and different members of the general public to wish for the priest’s protected return.
According to an announcement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Joseph Itodo, the bishop expressed deep sorrow over the incident and appealed for continued prayers as efforts to safe the priest’s launch intensify.
The assertion mentioned the bishop had requested “all Christ’s faithful in the Diocese and all people of goodwill to pray for the quick and safe release of Fr John.”
The diocese additionally appealed for prayers for different victims being held by kidnappers throughout Nigeria, expressing hope that they might regain their freedom safely and shortly.
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