Kidnapped Benue Priest Regains Freedom

The abducted Catholic priest of Otukpo Diocese in Benue State, Rev. Fr. Peter Amodu, has been released.

In a statement issued by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr Joseph Itodo said that the priest was released in the late hours of Friday.

In the statement, titled, “Release of Rev Fr Peter Amodu From Abduction”, the diocese thanked all the priests, religious, lay faithful and all people of goodwill who showed solidarity and offered prayers for the speedy and safe release of the abducted priests.

“Fr. Peter, who was kidnapped on July 6, 2022, at about 5:00 pm along Otukpo/Ugbokolo highway, Benue State, was released unharmed today, July 8, 2022, at about 8:30 pm.

“The church also prays for the safe rescue of other numerous people who are still in the den of kidnappers across the country,” the statement read.

Our correspondent reports that the Diocese could not provide details of whether ransom was paid for the release of the priest or not.

It will be recalled that the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Benue state had confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. Peter Amodu.

In a verified circular issued by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and signed by Rev. Fr Joseph Itodo, the Diocesan Chancellor confirmed the abduction of the priest.