Police Confirm Kidnapping Of Catholic Priest In Benue

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a Catholic priest in the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, saying the command has received the report and has deployed operatives to track the abductors and secure the release of the priest.

According to police sources, the priest was kidnapped along a major road in the Benue South axis, an area that has witnessed repeated attacks on clergy in the past.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement through its Chancellor, also confirmed the abduction and called on the faithful to pray for the priest’s safe return.

The Chancellor said the Bishop, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, has called for intense prayers while security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the priest.

The police said investigation is ongoing and assured that efforts are being made to rescue the victim unharmed and apprehend those behind the act.

The command urged residents to remain calm and provide useful information that could help in the rescue operation.