By EMMANUEL ANTSWEN

The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia, confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.

Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on Oct. 13.

According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.

He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.

He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.

He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return. (NAN)