Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest, Fr Mark Ojotu In Benue

Gunmen have abducted Father Mark Ojotu, a Catholic priest of Otukpo diocese in Benue state.

Fr Mark Ojotu Kidnapped

Joseph Itodo, chancellor of the diocesan secretariat, who disclosed this in a letter addressed to priests and religious faithful, said Ojotu, the chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga in Okpokwu LGA, was abducted along Okpoga-Ojapo road on Thursday evening.

The letter reads, “We write to notify you of the kidnap of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Mark Ojotu. He is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga. The sad incident occurred today, 22nd December 2022 at about 5.00pm along Okpoga-Ojapo Road, Okpokwu LGA, Benue State.

“The Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has called on all Christ’s Faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and beyond to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release as we intensify efforts to ensure his release.

“We commend 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.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of Benue police command, Catherine Anene said the incident was reported to the command on Friday morning.

“The abduction was reported this morning. We have commenced investigations,” Anene said.

This comes one month after terrorists abducted the Catholic priest of St. Bernard in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Rev. Fr. Abraham Kunat.