Seminarian Kelvin Ochai Escapes Kidnappers in Benue, Nigeria

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo announced that seminarian Kelvin Ochai was abducted by armed men on 29 July 2026 at Asa III in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State. Police treated the case as a missing‑person investigation, noting he had gone to bathe and did not return.

On the evening of 31 July 2026, the diocese reported that Ochai escaped from his captors and walked to Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he was reunited with his family unharmed. The Diocese’s chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, attributed the safe return to divine intervention and the prayers of Christians and well‑wishers. Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi thanked priests, lay faithful and security forces for their support and expressed gratitude for the prayers that he said helped secure the seminarian’s freedom. The incident highlighted ongoing insecurity and kidnapping threats in parts of Benue State.