Suspected bandits have abducted a Catholic seminarian, Mr. Kelvin Ochai, following an attack on the residence of the Catholic Bishop in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The abduction reportedly occurred on Wednesday when the gunmen stormed the Bishop’s residence in the Asa III area of Otukpo, heightening concerns over the growing insecurity in parts of the state.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Friday, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, said the seminarian was taken away during the attack.
READ ALSO; Troops repel bandits, recover armoured vehicles, motorcycles in Zamfara
According to the statement, the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed deep sadness over the incident and appealed to members of the diocese and the general public to pray for the victim’s safe return.
“Bishop Michael Ekwoyi 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 read.
The Diocese also entrusted the abducted seminarian and other victims of kidnapping across the country to divine protection.
“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 statement added.
The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing Benue State, where attacks by armed groups and kidnappings have continued to threaten residents and religious institutions alike