Terrorists have invadef the residence of the Catholic Bishop in Otukpo in Oturkpo Local Government Area of Benue State, reportedly abducting a Catholic seminarian, Mr. Kelvin Ochai.
The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday, July 29, when the terrorists stormed the Bishop’s residence located in the Asa III area of Otukpo, sparking concern within the Catholic community.
The incident was confirmed in a statement on Friday by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
According to the statement, the kidnappers made away with the seminarian, Mr. Kelvin Ochai, while details surrounding the attack and the circumstances of his abduction remain unclear.
The Diocese disclosed that the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called on members of the Church and the general public to pray for the seminarian’s safe return.
Describing the abduction as a painful development, the Bishop appealed to all Christ’s faithful in the Diocese of Otukpo, as well as people of goodwill, to unite in prayer for the victim and others being held captive across the country.
“The Bishop, who is deeply saddened by this unfortunate development, calls on all Christ’s Faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and all people of goodwill to earnestly pray for the seminarian’s quick and safe release,” the statement noted.
The Diocese further entrusted the abducted seminarian and all other kidnapping victims in Nigeria to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“We commit our brother and all those in the kidnappers’ den throughout the country to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released an official statement on the attack, and it remains unclear whether contact has been established with the kidnappers or if any arrests have been made.
The latest incident adds to the growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State, particularly in Oturkpo LGA and the increasing number of attacks targeting religious institutions and clerics, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
