Gunmen Kidnap Another Catholic Priest In Benue
The spate of kidnapping being perpetrated against the Catholic Church resurfaced on Thursday when unknown gunmen abducted another Catholic Priest and Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, Reverend Father Mark Ojotu.
According to competent sources, the Catholic Priest was reportedly kidnapped on Thursday evening along Okpoga–Ojapo road along the Okpoga–Utonkon road located in the northern part of the State.
That axis of the state has become notorious for the kidnap of commuters and the incident is coming about five months after another Priest, Reverend Fr. Peter Amodu was waylaid and ferried away in a similar fashion
However, Father Amodu, who was kidnapped while on his way to celebrate the Holy Mass at Okwungaga in the same Okpokwu area, was later released by his captors
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed this latest incident in a letter from the Diocesan Secretariat and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi on Thursday night
The letter addressed to all Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful, read in part; “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 December 22, 2022, at about 5 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.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Superintendent (SP), Catherine Anene confirmed the incident in a text message, saying; “The command is on the trail of the priest and hoodlums involved.”