Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Benue

Gunmen have abducted Mark Ojotu, a Catholic priest of Otukpo diocese in Benue state.

Ojotu, the chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga in Okpokwu LGA, was abducted along Okpoga-Ojapo road on Thursday evening.

Joseph Itodo, chancellor of the diocesan secretariat, confirmed the abduction in a letter addressed to priests and religious faithful.

“We write to notify you of the kidnap of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Mark Ojotu,” the letter reads.

“He is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga. The sad incident occurred today, 22nd December 2022 at about 5.00pm along Okpoga-Ojapo Road, Okpokwu LGA, Benue State.

“The Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has called on all Christ’s Faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and beyond to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release as we intensify efforts to ensure his release.

“We commend 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.”

Catherine Anene, the spokesperson of Benue police command, said the incident was reported to the command on Friday morning.

“The abduction was reported this morning. We have commenced investigations,” Anene said.

The last reported priest abduction in Benue was in July when Peter Amodu was seized while working in the Catholic diocese of Otukpo.