Police Rescue Catholic Priest, Seven Others After Benue Kidnapping
Police in Benue State say they have rescued eight people, including a Catholic priest, days after they were abducted while returning from a village market in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The Benue State Police Command said Rev. Fr. John Otache of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and seven other victims were freed in two operations carried out on October 16 and October 18.
Two suspects were also arrested, according to police, and are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
They have not been convicted of any offence.
Abduction Confirmed Earlier
The victims were abducted on October 13 along a road in Ohimini LGA while returning from a village market, according to police.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo had earlier confirmed the abduction of Fr. Otache and said he was taken while returning from Otukpo.
Earlier reports used different road descriptions for the abduction location, so IDNN is retaining the broader verified location: Ohimini LGA.
Eight Rescued in Two Operations
Police said operatives from the Benue State Police Command worked with the Police Mobile Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards during the rescue effort.
Two victims were rescued on October 16, while the remaining six were rescued on October 18.
The command said all eight victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for medical examination and treatment.
Investigation Continues
Police said two suspects were arrested during the operations and that efforts were continuing to locate other alleged members of the group believed to be involved.
That remains part of an active investigation.
Arrest does not establish guilt, and no conviction has been reported.
The next test is whether investigators can lawfully identify and prosecute those responsible — and whether movement along affected Ohimini roads becomes safer.
For residents, the rescue closes one urgent chapter but does not remove the wider concern over kidnapping and road security in the area.
What IDNN Is Watching
IDNN will monitor the condition of the rescued victims, any formal charges arising from the arrests, further police action linked to the abduction and any additional security measures announced for Ohimini.