Joint Security Team Rescues Kidnapped Catholic Priest, Seven Others in Benue

A Catholic priest and seven other kidnapped victims have been rescued in Benue State following a joint security operation, while two suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction.

The rescued cleric, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, is the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

The Benue State Police Command said the victims were abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, when armed men intercepted people returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, near Ipiga village.

According to a statement issued by the police command’s spokesperson, Peter Aondongu, security operatives launched a coordinated operation after receiving information about the kidnapping.

The operation involved personnel from the state police command, the Police Mobile Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.

The police said two of the victims were rescued on October 16, while six others, including the priest, were freed on October 18.

During the operation, two suspects, identified by the police as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, were arrested and are assisting investigators.

The rescued victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for medical examinations and treatment.

The police said efforts were continuing to apprehend other suspected members of the gang who remained at large. The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved and urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security operations.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo also confirmed the priest’s release, expressing gratitude for the support and prayers offered by members of the clergy, parishioners and the wider public during his captivity.

The abduction had raised concern among Catholic faithful and residents of communities along the route, where kidnapping incidents have heightened fears about security.

The latest rescue comes amid continuing efforts by security agencies to tackle abductions and other violent crimes in Benue State. Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.