Panic As Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest In Benue

Rev. Father Mark Ojotu, a Catholic priest of Otukpo Diocese in Benue state, has been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

Ojotu is said to be the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue state under Otukpo diocese.

The victim was abducted along Okpoga-Ojapo road on Thursday around 5 pm.

The abduction was confirmed by the diocese through a letter from the diocesan secretariat signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, and addressed to all priests, religious and lay faithful.

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

“He is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga. The sad incident occurred today, 22™ 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.

The State Command Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident and added that policemen were on the trail of the kidnappers.

“Incident confirmed and the command is on the trail of the priest and hoodlums involved,” Anene said in a terse message sent to our correspondent.