Rev. Fr. John Otache, the Catholic priest abducted in Benue State on October 13, has regained his freedom alongside five other victims rescued by security operatives.
Benue State Police Command spokesperson Aondogu Orchia confirmed the rescue on Monday, October 19, 2026, saying the victims were freed on Sunday and taken to Otukpo Teaching Hospital for medical examinations.
Otache, parish priest of St. Margaret Catholic Church in Ajegbe-Awume, Ohimini Local Government Area, was seized while returning from Otukpo. The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo said the abduction occurred along the Otobi-Amejo-Ajegbe Road.
The diocese’s chancellor, Joseph Itodo, announced the incident in a statement, conveying the distress of Bishop Michael Apochi over the kidnapping.
The case follows other reported abductions involving Catholic personnel in the area. Seminarian Kelvin Ochai was reportedly kidnapped from the bishop’s residence in Otukpo in July 2026, while Rev. Fr. Anthony Adikwu, a former priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, was abducted in a separate incident several years earlier.
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Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Gboko ordered the temporary closure of four church-run institutions in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, on October 13, citing repeated attacks on its facilities.
The directive, signed by Bishop William Avenya and diocesan chancellor Marcellinus Wende, also ordered pastoral agents to leave the community.
The affected facilities are St. Winifred Girls Secondary School, St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School, St. Thomas Hospital and St. Winifred Parish. The diocese cited repeated fires at school hostels, burglaries at the parish and security incidents at the hospital.
Ihugh is the hometown of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, a former Catholic priest.
The incidents highlight continuing security concerns for religious personnel and church institutions in parts of Benue State.