Police Rescue Abducted Catholic Priest, Seven Others In Benue, Arrest Two Suspects
The Benue State Police Command has rescued an abducted Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, and seven other victims, while arresting two suspects in connection with the incident.
Otache, the parish priest of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, was abducted by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The police spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, confirmed the rescue to LEADERSHIP on Sunday evening, disclosing that all eight victims had been taken to a hospital in Otukpo for medical attention.
“Yes, our men this Sunday evening rescued the Catholic priest and seven other abducted victims. Two suspects were arrested. They were taken to a hospital in Otukpo for medical treatment,” Aondongu said.
The priest was reportedly ambushed and kidnapped along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road while returning from Otukpo.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, had earlier confirmed the circumstances surrounding the priest’s abduction.
The latest development brings relief to the Catholic community and residents following days of uncertainty over the priest’s whereabouts.
Meanwhile, the police said investigations were ongoing, while the rescued victims continued to receive medical care.
