Benue police rescue eight kidnap victims, including Catholic priest
Benue State Police Command says eight people abducted along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road in Ohimini Local Government Area have been rescued following security operations.
The rescued victims include Rev. Fr. John Otache of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, who was among those abducted on October 13.
Police said the victims were taken while returning from a village market near Ipiga Village.
Two victims were rescued on October 16, while six others were recovered on October 18, according to the command.
The eight were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for medical examination and care.
Catholic priest among those rescued
Fr. Otache’s abduction had earlier been confirmed by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, which appealed for prayers for his safe return.
Updated police reporting has now identified him among the eight rescued victims.
His recovery resolves an uncertainty in earlier accounts of the operation, which had not named those rescued.
Two suspects arrested
Police said two people were arrested during the operation and are assisting with the investigation.
Their arrest does not establish criminal guilt, and the allegations against them have not been tested in court.
Police also said efforts were continuing to locate other people suspected of involvement in the abduction.
Security focus remains on Ohimini corridor
Police said personnel from the command, the Police Mobile Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards took part in the operation.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu said the command would continue intelligence-led operations against kidnapping and other violent crime.
For residents, the rescue is significant, but it does not by itself resolve wider concerns about security on roads linking communities in Ohimini.
The immediate accountability questions are whether all those abducted on October 13 have now been accounted for, what formal charges may follow the arrests and what additional measures are being taken to secure the affected route.
Further reporting should establish any court proceedings involving the arrested suspects and obtain their response or that of their legal representatives if formal charges are filed.
