We Are Working To Rescue Abducted Benue Priest — Police

The Benue State Police Command has said security operatives had been deployed to rescue the abducted Catholic priest of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini local government area of the state, Rev. Fr John Inalegwu Otache.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP Weekend on telephone yesterday, the command’s spokesman, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, said, “Yes, the incident happened on Tuesday and our men have been mobilised for rescue operations.”

In a statement, the Chancellor Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, said the priest was ambushed and taken away by gunmen on Tuesday along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe road in Ohimini LGA while returning from Otukpo.

“The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, is deeply pained by this sad development and has earnestly requested all Christ’s faithful in the diocese and all people of goodwill to pray for the quick and safe release of Fr John as we intensify efforts to ensure his release.

“United in one heart and mind, we commend our brother, Fr John and all those in the kidnappers’ den throughout the country to the efficacious intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors,” the statement added.