Benue: Gunmen invade Bishop’s residence, abduct seminarian in Otukpo

Suspected bandits have kidnapped a Catholic seminarian, Mr. Kelvin Ochai, following an attack on the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo in Benue State.

The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday when armed men invaded the Bishop’s residence located in the Asa III area of Otukpo Local Government Area.

Confirming the development in a statement released on Friday, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, disclosed that the seminarian was whisked away by the attackers during the assault.

According to Itodo, the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, expressed profound sorrow over the incident and urged members of the Catholic faithful as well as Nigerians of goodwill to pray for Ochai’s safe return.

The statement read, “Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, who is deeply saddened by this unfortunate development, has called 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.

“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 diocese also extended prayers to other victims currently being held captive by kidnappers and criminal groups across the country, asking for their safe and speedy freedom.

The abduction comes just days after renewed violence in parts of Benue State, where suspected armed herders reportedly attacked Elulu and Agadagba communities in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The separate assaults, which occurred between July 24 and Saturday night, allegedly claimed the lives of at least three people and left two others injured.

Residents said the attackers first invaded Elulu before carrying out another assault on Agadagba the following night.