The Benue State Police Command has rescued Catholic priest Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache and five other peoplefrom their abductors in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The rescue was confirmed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Aondogu Orchia, who spoke to journalists in Makurdi on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Otache, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, was reportedly abducted on October 13 along the Otobi-Amejo-Ajegbe road in Benue State.
According to Orchia, security operatives rescued the six victims on Sunday evening following the abduction.
The police spokesperson said the rescued victims had been taken to Otukpo Teaching Hospital for medical examinations to assess their condition after their ordeal.
The priest’s abduction had raised concerns among members of the Catholic community and residents of the area, amid continued security challenges in parts of Benue State.
The police have not provided further details about the circumstances of the rescue or whether any suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
The command is expected to provide additional information as more details become available.
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