From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of an abducted catholic priest Rev Fr John Inalegwu Otache of Otukpo Diocese alongside eight other kidnapped victims as well as the arrest of two suspects in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Rev Fr Otache who is the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was kidnapped on Tuesday, 13th October, 2026, along Otobi Amejo – Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State while returning from Otukpo.
The police in a statement on Monday signed by its Public Relations’ Officer DSP Aondongu Orchia on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police CP Cletus Nwadiogbu said his men in conjunction with personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, were immediately mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated rescue operation that led to the successful rescue of eight victims, with two rescued on 16th October 2026 and six on 18th October 2026.
It stated that the rescued victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical examination and necessary medical attention.
The CP said in the course of the rescue operations, two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, were arrested, adding that both suspects are currently assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
The Commissioner of CP Nwadiogbu appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the AIG, Police Mobile Force, PMF, for their unwavering support to the Command in the ongoing fight against violent crime in the State.
He also commended the operatives for their prompt response, professionalism, and commitment to the protection of lives and property, while reassuring residents of the Command’s readiness and determination to sustain intelligence-led operations and deny criminal elements the opportunity to threaten the peace and security of the State.
The Command called on members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations and also, urged them to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station.
