Crime
Gunmen abduct Catholic priest along Benue Road, Police launch rescue effort
By Anuoluwa Amao
Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Inalegwu, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, prompting a police rescue operation.
Inalegwu, parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while returning from Otukpo.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the abduction in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its diocesan chancellor, Reverend Father Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
The statement said the diocesan bishop, Most Reverend Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, was deeply saddened by the incident and urged Christians and well-wishers to pray for the priest’s safe release.
Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the command was investigating the incident and that efforts to rescue the priest were ongoing.
“He has not been rescued yet. Our teams are still making efforts to rescue him,” Aondongu said