A troubling incident unfolded on Thursday when gunmen attacked the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo in the Asa III area of Otukpo, Benue State, and abducted a seminarian identified as Kelvin Ochai. The attack, which has sent shockwaves through the local Catholic community, was confirmed by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Joseph Itodo, in a statement issued on Friday.
Mr Itodo said the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Michael Apochi, expressed deep sadness over the incident and called on Christians and all people of goodwill to pray for the seminarian’s safe return. The diocese also offered prayers for the release of other Nigerians currently in captivity. The statement did not provide additional details regarding the number of attackers or the circumstances of the abduction.
Church Appeals for Prayers
Quoting Bishop Apochi, the statement said: “Bishop Michael 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.” The statement added, “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's appeal underscores the growing concern over kidnapping in the region, which has increasingly targeted religious institutions and leaders. The church has urged its members to keep Kelvin Ochai and all other captives in their prayers.
Police Treat Case as Missing Person
However, the Benue State Police Command has not confirmed that a kidnapping took place. The Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu, said the command is treating the incident as a missing person case pending the outcome of investigations.
“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,” Mr Aondongu said.
Mr Aondongu also disclosed that reports of an earlier attempted abduction at the residence about two weeks ago were never formally 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 explained.
The police spokesman assured that detectives are working to establish the facts surrounding the seminarian's disappearance and to verify whether an abduction occurred.
Rising Violence in Benue South
The abduction adds to the mounting security challenges in Benue South, particularly in Otukpo and its neighbouring local government areas. The region has seen a series of deadly attacks in recent months, with many blamed on suspected armed herders. The following incidents depict the worsening situation:
- Efeyi community: On 29 July, at least 15 people were killed in an attack by suspected armed herders in the Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA. This occurred just 24 hours after a separate attack on nearby Ipom-Ugboju, where one person was killed.
- Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi: On 12 July, these communities in Otukpo LGA were attacked, leaving at least 10 people dead according to local reports. The police later confirmed eight deaths, comprising five adults and three children, and said investigations were launched.
- Ohimini LGA: In recent weeks, attacks in Elulu and Agadagba communities have caused at least three deaths.
These incidents underline the deteriorating security situation across Benue South, despite increased security operations in the area. The abduction of Kelvin Ochai serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to criminal activity.
