The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Benue State has confirmed the release of Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, who was abducted by armed men while travelling through Ohimini Local Government Area, bringing an end to five days of captivity that prompted concern among members of the Catholic community.
The priest, who serves as Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, regained his freedom on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following security operations involving police personnel and local security volunteers. The Benue State Police Command subsequently announced the rescue of eight kidnapping victims during operations conducted between October 16 and 18.
Fr. Otache was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road while returning from Otukpo. The Catholic Diocese confirmed the kidnapping in a statement issued by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, who appealed for prayers and assistance in securing the priest's release.
Following confirmation of his freedom, the diocese issued another statement expressing gratitude for his safe return.
The statement, released on October 18, conveyed the appreciation of the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, to members of the clergy, religious communities, parishioners and other individuals who supported efforts to secure the priest's release.
The bishop also acknowledged the prayers and solidarity received during the period of captivity, while calling for continued concern for other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers.
The Benue State Police Command provided further details of the security operations in a statement issued on Monday, October 19, by its spokesperson, Peter Aondongu.
According to the command, armed men abducted a Catholic priest and other travellers on October 13 at approximately 8:15 p.m. along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, near Ipiga Village in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Following the incident, police officers, personnel of the Police Mobile Force and members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards commenced coordinated operations to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible.
The police disclosed that eight kidnapping victims were rescued during the operations, with two freed on October 16 and another six on October 18.
The command also announced the arrest of two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, in connection with the incident.
Both suspects were said to be assisting investigators, while efforts continued to identify and apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the abduction.
The police stated that the rescued victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for medical examinations and necessary treatment.
Although the diocese confirmed Fr. Otache's safe return, it did not disclose detailed information about his medical condition or the circumstances of his release. The authorities also did not announce whether any ransom had been demanded or paid.
Earlier reports from local sources indicated that security personnel and community vigilantes participated in the operation that secured the priest's freedom.
However, initial accounts differed on the number of people rescued alongside him. The police's subsequent statement confirmed eight victims rescued across two dates, providing a broader account of the operation.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the security personnel involved and acknowledged support from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the leadership of the Police Mobile Force.
He reaffirmed the command's commitment to intelligence-led operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes, while urging residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
Fr. Otache's abduction had drawn attention to security concerns affecting religious workers and residents travelling through rural communities in Benue State.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo had earlier expressed distress over the incident, with Bishop Apochi appealing to the faithful to pray for the priest and other people being held captive across Nigeria.
The diocese's confirmation of his release has brought relief to the Catholic community, although the police investigation into the abduction remains ongoing.
The two arrested suspects have not been convicted of any offence, and their alleged involvement remains subject to investigation and the judicial process.
As of Monday, October 19, police had not announced further arrests or provided details of the identities of all eight rescued victims.
The authorities maintained that efforts would continue to locate other suspected members of the kidnapping group and prevent further attacks on communities and travellers in the area.
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