The Benue State Police Command has rescued eight kidnap victims, including a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, following a coordinated security operation in Ohimini Local Government Area (LGA). Two suspects were also apprehended in connection with the abduction.
​The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Rev. Fr. John Otache, the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was traveling alongside other commuters along the Ugbokolo-Ajegbe-Awume Road, near Ipiga Village in Ohimini LGA, while returning from a local village market when armed assailants ambushed them and dragged them into nearby forests.
​In response to the abduction, the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, ordered the immediate deployment of a joint tactical team consisting of operatives from the Command, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (CPG).
​The multi-stage operation yielded immediate results. On October 16, 2026, operatives successfully rescued the first two victims. The remaining six victims, including Rev. Fr. Otache, were safely secured during a follow-up raid on October 18, 2026.
​During the security operations, two suspects, identified by authorities as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, were taken into custody.
​Speaking on behalf of the Command, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Peter Aondongu (also cited in reports as DSP Aondogu Orchia), confirmed the successful operations during a briefing in Makurdi.
​”The rescued victims were promptly taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for comprehensive medical evaluations and treatment,” DSP Aondongu stated. “The two arrested suspects are currently assisting investigators, while operational teams maintain pursuit of remaining fleeing members of the criminal gang.”
​CP Cletus Nwadiogbu commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force for their logistical support. He also praised the tactical team for their swift response and professionalism, reiterating the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing to safeguard lives and property across Benue State.
