Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Benue
The Catholic priest in charge of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, Rev. Fr John Inalegwu Otache, has been reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen. The post Gunmen…
Benue State has for years grappled with insecurity linked to armed gangs and herder-farmer clashes, particularly across its rural local government areas, with kidnappings for ransom becoming a recurring threat to residents, clergy and travellers alike. Catholic priests have been targeted in similar attacks in Nigeria's Middle Belt and southern states in recent years, raising concerns among religious communities about safety while carrying out pastoral duties in remote parishes.
The outlets covering this incident agree on the core details: Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, parish priest of St Margaret's Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, Ohimini LGA, was abducted by gunmen along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe road. Punch and Channels TV add that the abduction occurred on October 13 as he was returning to Otukpo, while Premium Times notes that police and the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo are working to secure his release. Details such as the identity or motive of the attackers, any ransom demand, and the priest's current condition have not yet been disclosed by authorities.