Benue Priest, Three Others Regain Freedom After Five Days in Captivity

By Johnson Arua

Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, the Catholic priest abducted along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road in Benue State, has regained his freedom alongside three other victims following a joint rescue operation by security personnel and community vigilantes.

Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe–Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state, was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while returning home from Otukpo.

The victims were reportedly rescued at about 4pm on Sunday, October 18, after security operatives and local vigilantes carried out discreet operations to secure their release.

A local source who confirmed the development expressed relief over the safe return of the priest and the other victims, describing the rescue as a welcome development for the community.

The source said the operation involved a coordinated effort by security personnel and community vigilantes, who worked to locate and free the abducted persons.

Confirming the rescue, the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the priest and three other persons were rescued during the operation.

“The Priest and three other persons were rescued today at about 4pm,” Aondongu said.

The police spokesperson also confirmed that other victims had been freed during the operation, stating, “Others were also rescued today during the operation.”

Following their rescue, the victims were taken to a hospital for medical attention and assessment of their condition.

They were reportedly in good health, although the circumstances surrounding their captivity and the details of the rescue operation were not immediately made public.

The rescue has brought relief to the Catholic community, residents of Ohimini and the families of the victims, who had been concerned about their safety since the abduction.