Benue Police Rescue Abducted Catholic Priest, Eight Others, Arrest Two Suspects

By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of Catholic priest Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache and eight other kidnapped victims in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state, with two suspects arrested in connection with the incident.

Fr. Otache, the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in the Otukpo Diocese, was abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road while returning from Otukpo.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondongu Orchia, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the command immediately deployed operatives alongside personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards to conduct a coordinated rescue operation.

According to the statement, the operation led to the rescue of eight victims, with two rescued on October 16 and six others on October 18, 2026.

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

The police also confirmed the arrest of two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, during the rescue operations.

The suspects are assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are being intensified to track down other fleeing members of the suspected criminal gang and bring all those involved to justice.

CP Nwadiogbu expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force for their continued support in the fight against violent crime in Benue State.

He also commended the operatives for their prompt response, professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and property.

The commissioner reassured residents of the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations to curb criminal activities and maintain peace and security across the state.

The command urged members of the public to support security operations by providing timely and credible information. It also advised residents to report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station.