Police, Catholic diocese confirm abduction of priest in Benue

The Benue State Police Command and the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo have confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The priest was abducted on October 13, 2026, along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road while returning from Otukpo, according to the diocese.

Police say the incident has been reported and that efforts to secure his release are ongoing.

At the latest verified check on October 16, IDNN had not established that Otache had been released.

Diocese appeals for safe return

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo announced the abduction in a statement signed by its chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.

The diocese appealed for prayers and support for Otache’s safe return.

The statement did not identify the abductors or establish a motive.

Police confirm investigation

The Benue State Police Command separately confirmed the abduction.

Police spokesperson Peter Aondongu said the command had begun investigating the incident and that efforts were ongoing to secure the priest’s release.

IDNN is withholding operational details that could expose active rescue activity or place the victim or security personnel at further risk.

What is known

Otache is the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume.

He was abducted on October 13 while travelling along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road in Ohimini LGA.

Both the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and Benue police have confirmed the incident.

Police say efforts to secure his release are ongoing.

What remains unknown

The identities of the abductors have not been established in the material reviewed by IDNN.

No verified motive has been established.

IDNN has not verified any ransom demand, negotiation terms or claim of responsibility.

No confirmed release had been announced at the latest verified check.

Wider security context

Recent security incidents affecting Catholic institutions elsewhere in Benue may provide broader context for concerns about insecurity.

However, IDNN has not established any direct connection between those separate incidents and Otache’s abduction.

Citizen consequence

The abduction leaves a religious community without its parish priest and raises renewed public-safety concerns for people travelling on rural and inter-community roads in parts of Benue.

The immediate priority remains the victim’s safety.

Any reporting on rescue activity, negotiations or security deployment must therefore avoid information that could interfere with efforts to secure his release.

What happens next

The key development is whether police and other authorities secure Otache’s safe release.

IDNN will track confirmed updates from the Benue State Police Command and the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo while avoiding unverified ransom claims, speculation about the abductors and operational rescue details.