Bandits Attack Catholic Bishop’s Residence In Benue, Abduct Seminarian

Suspected bandits have abducted a Catholic seminarian, Kelvin Ochai, following an attack on the residence of the Catholic Bishop in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack occurred on Wednesday at the Bishop’s residence in the Asa III area of Otukpo, where the armed assailants reportedly stormed the premises before abducting the seminarian.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.

According to the statement, the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed profound sadness over the incident and appealed to members of the Church and the public to pray for the seminarian’s safe return.

The Diocese also called on the faithful and all people of goodwill to remember the abducted seminarian in their prayers, expressing hope that he would regain his freedom unharmed.

“We commit 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,” the statement said.