Catholic priest abducted by gunmen in Benue State, Nigeria

Catholic priest kidnapping Benue State Otukpo Diocese Nigeria security Ohimini Local Government Area

Father John Inalegwu Otache, the priest in charge of Saint Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted by unknown gunmen in Benue State, Nigeria. The kidnapping occurred on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while the priest was traveling home from Otukpo along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe road in the Ohimini Local Government Area.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the incident through a statement by Diocesan Chancellor Father Joseph Aboyi Itodo. Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi expressed deep distress over the event and called for prayers for the priest's safe and speedy release. This incident marks the second time a priest from Saint Margaret’s Parish has been kidnapped.

Police Public Relations Officer DSP Peter Aondongu confirmed that rescue operations are currently underway, though Father Otache has not yet been recovered.

Entities

Benue State · Catholic Diocese of Otukpo · John Inalegwu Otache · Michael Ekwoyi Apochi · Peter Aondongu

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The abduction occurred along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe road in the Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State. www.fides.org · newtelegraphng.com · osundefender.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] This is the second time a priest from St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume has been kidnapped. osundefender.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Father John Inalegwu Otache was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. www.fides.org · newtelegraphng.com · osundefender.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the abduction of Father John Inalegwu Otache. www.fides.org · newtelegraphng.com · osundefender.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Police efforts to rescue the priest are ongoing, but he has not yet been released. osundefender.com