Benue: Catholic Priest Kidnapped

The Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, Rev Father Mark Ojotu has been kidnapped.

The incident was confirmed in a letter released by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Benue state.

The letter which was released by the diocesan secretariat and signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, addressed to all priests, religious and lay faithful, disclosed that Ojotu was abducted on 22 December 2022 at about 5.00 pm along Okpoga-Ojapo Road.

Itodo noted that efforts are being put in place to secure the release of the priest.

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, 22 December 2022 at about 5.00 pm 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.”