The Benue State Police Command has rescued a Catholic priest and seven other victims who were kidnapped along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The rescued priest was identified as Rev. Fr. John Otache of the Otukpo Diocese. He and the seven other victims were reportedly abducted last Tuesday while returning from a village market near Ipiga Village.
The police spokesperson, Peter Aondongu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, stating that the rescue operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving police operatives, the Police Mobile Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
According to the statement, two victims were rescued on October 16, while the remaining six were rescued on October 18, bringing the total number of rescued victims to eight.
The operation also led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, who are reportedly assisting the police with ongoing investigations.
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The rescued victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical examination and necessary treatment.
The police command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the suspected criminal gang and ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers and other security personnel involved in the operation for their prompt response and commitment to protecting lives and property.
The command also urged residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
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