{
  "id": 14917708,
  "title": "Police confirm abduction of Catholic priest in Benue",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/police-confirm-abduction-of-catholic-priest-in-benue",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T09:24:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/police-confirm-abduction-of-catholic-priest-in-benue/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Benue State Police have officially announced the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, located in Ohimini Local Government Area. The incident was recently confirmed by DSP Aondogu Orchia, the Police Public Relations Officer, on a Friday in Makurdi. The police have since launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter, as well as efforts to rescue the abducted clergyman.\n\nIn a statement released by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, the Diocesan Chancellor, confirmed the priest's abduction on October 13. Itodo described how Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road within Ohimini Local Government Area. The Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate event, stating that he was greatly distressed by the situation. He promptly called upon priests, religious members, the general populace, and other concerned individuals to join in fervent prayers for the priest's safe and prompt release. Itodo also extended his sentiments to those who have fallen victim to kidnappings across Nigeria, expressing hope for their eventual safe return.",
  "summary": "The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, a parish priest in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state. Read More: https://punchng.com/police-confirm-abduction-of-catholic-priest-in-benue/",
  "key_points": [
    "Rev. Fr. John Otache abducted by unknown assailants",
    "Incident confirmed by Benue State Police on October 13",
    "Police launched investigation and rescue efforts"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Police confirm abduction of Catholic priest in Benue",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/police-confirm-abduction-of-catholic-priest-in-benue-14918681",
        "published": "2026-10-16T09:30:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Benue",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/gunmen-abduct-catholic-priest-in-benue",
        "published": "2026-10-16T09:50:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Police confirm kidnap of Catholic priest in Benue",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/police-confirm-kidnap-of-catholic-priest-in-benue",
        "published": "2026-10-16T10:27:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "Gunmen abduct Catholic priest",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/gunmen-abduct-catholic-priest",
        "published": "2026-10-16T11:06:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}