Catholic Diocese reports abduction of seminarian in Benue

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo has announced the disappearance of one of its seminarians, Mr. Kelvin Ochai, describing the incident as deeply distressing and calling for prayers for his safe return.

In a statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, the Diocese said the incident occurred on Wednesday at the Bishop’s Residence in Asa III, Otukpo, Benue State.

According to the statement, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed sadness over the development and appealed to members of the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to pray for Ochai’s quick and safe release.

Fr. Aboyi said the Diocese is making efforts to secure the seminarian’s freedom and is also praying for others currently in the custody of kidnappers across the country.

The Diocese, however, did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said it has yet to confirm that the seminarian was kidnapped.

Speaking on the development, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, said the information available to the police suggests the case is currently being treated as a missing person investigation.

“The report in our possession is that the seminarian went out to take his bath, and the place where he went is different from where he resides. After some time, he could no longer be found. For now, it is still a case of a missing person,” he said.

Aondogwu also dismissed reports that an attempted abduction had occurred at the Bishop’s residence about two weeks earlier, saying no such incident was officially reported to the police.

“The rumour was that about two weeks ago, some persons came to the house and attempted to abduct the seminarian, but that was never officially reported to us. It was only after this incident that we started hearing about it,” he added.

He said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the seminarian’s disappearance.