Suspected bandits have launched a fresh attack in Benue State, abducting a Catholic seminarian during a violent raid on a bishop’s residence in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The victim, identified as Kelvin Ochai, was reportedly taken on Wednesday when the gunmen invaded the residence located in the Asa III area. The incident has heightened concerns over the persistent insecurity affecting parts of the state and the wider region.
Confirming the development, the Chancellor of the Otukpo Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, disclosed the attack in an official statement issued on Friday. He expressed deep concern over the incident and its implications for the safety of residents and religious institutions.
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According to the statement, the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has called on members of the church and the general public to offer prayers for the safe return of the abducted seminarian.
“The Bishop is deeply saddened by this unfortunate development and urges all Christ’s faithful and people of goodwill to pray earnestly for the quick and safe release of the seminarian,” the statement read.
The Diocese also extended prayers to other victims currently in captivity across the country, committing them to divine protection and hoping for their safe return.
This latest incident underscores the growing security challenges in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, where cases of kidnapping and violent attacks continue to raise alarm among citizens and authorities alike.
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