Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Catholic seminarian of the Otukpo Diocese in Benue State, Kelvin Ochai, has regained his freedom after escaping from the den of the gunmen who abducted him from the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo in Asa III, Otukpo Local Government Area, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The Diocese confirmed on Saturday, August 1, 2026, that Ochai managed to flee from his captors on the evening of Friday, July 31, and made his way to Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, where he was safely reunited with his family without sustaining any injuries. The announcement was made in a statement released by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, who credited the successful escape to divine intervention and the prayers offered by Christians and other well-wishers throughout the period of captivity.
The abduction had occurred when armed men stormed the Bishop's residence in the Asa III area of Otukpo, an incident that threw the Catholic community into mourning and prompted an urgent appeal for prayers from the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi. The Bishop had expressed deep sadness over the incident and called on all Christ's faithful and people of goodwill to earnestly pray for the seminarian's quick and safe release. The Diocese had committed Ochai, along with all other victims of kidnapping across Nigeria, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors. The Chancellor had also assured the faithful that efforts were being intensified to secure Ochai's freedom, though the Diocese did not provide details of how the seminarian managed to escape from his captors or whether any ransom was demanded or paid before his return.
However, the Benue State Police Command had offered a more cautious account of the initial incident, describing it as a missing person case rather than a confirmed abduction. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, had told journalists that the command received a report that the seminarian had gone missing from the Bishop's residence, noting that Ochai had left his room to take a bath in a separate building and was not seen again. The police had also noted that about two weeks before the incident, some persons had allegedly attempted to abduct the same seminarian but he escaped, though that incident was never formally reported to the command. Despite the conflicting accounts, the Diocese maintained that the seminarian was abducted by gunmen who attacked the Bishop's residence, and the eventual escape confirmed their position.
Reacting to the development, Bishop Apochi expressed heartfelt appreciation to priests, religious communities, lay faithful, and supporters who stood with the Diocese in prayer throughout the seminarian's ordeal. The Bishop also acknowledged the efforts of Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ioryue, members of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Aliade, and the Nigeria Police Force for the care, hospitality, and support extended to the seminarian after he regained his freedom. The statement read, "While giving all glory to God, the Bishop sincerely appreciates all the priests, religious, lay faithful of the Diocese, and people of goodwill for their unwavering solidarity and fervent prayers, which contributed to the speedy and safe return of our brother." The Bishop further remembered those still being held by kidnappers across the country, praying for their release, and added, "As we continue to commend to God all those who remain in captivity across our nation, we fervently pray that the Lord will grant them safe rescue, protect His people from every evil, and restore lasting peace, justice, and security to our beloved country, Nigeria."
The abduction had added to growing security concerns in Benue South, particularly in Otukpo and neighbouring local government areas, which have witnessed recurring incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks by armed groups. The safe return of Ochai has brought immense relief to members of the Catholic community and renewed hope for the release of others still in captivity, even as concerns persist over the worsening security situation across parts of Benue State. The latest development is a testament to the power of collective prayer and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. As the seminarian begins his recovery and reintegration, the Diocese has continued to pray for lasting peace and security in Nigeria, while the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and escape remains ongoing.
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