Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Benue State

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a Catholic priest of Otukpo Diocese, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue state, Nigeria.

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.”

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 incident was confirmed and policemen were on the trail of the kidnappers, according to the state Command Public Relations Officer.