Nigerian Catholic priest and seven others rescued from kidnappers

A Catholic priest, the Rev. John Inalegwu Otache, was rescued alongside seven other captives in Nigeria’s Benue state on October 18. The group had been held for five days after being abducted on October 13 while traveling along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe road. The rescue operation was conducted by the Benue State Police Command in coordination with local community security volunteers. Following their release, all eight individuals were transported to a university hospital in Otukpo for medical evaluation.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo expressed gratitude for the safe return of Father Otache, thanking the community for their prayers and support during the ordeal. Diocesan chancellor the Rev. Joseph Itodo issued a statement calling for continued prayer for those still held by criminal gangs in Nigeria. While the suspects involved in this case were arrested, authorities have not yet publicly identified the criminal group responsible.

Kidnappings targeting clergy and laypeople remain a significant concern in Nigeria. The Catholic Church continues to seek the return of the Rev. Emmanuel Ezema, who was abducted from his home in Kaduna state in December 2025 and remains missing.