A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache, has been successfully rescued along with three other individuals who were kidnapped in Benue State. The rescue operation took place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after days of coordinated efforts by security personnel and local vigilantes.

Rev. Fr. Otache, the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted on October 13 while traveling home from Otukpo. His kidnapping, which occurred on the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road, raised significant concern among the local community and members of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo.

The joint operation that led to the rescue was reported to have commenced shortly after the abduction, with local sources indicating that the victims were found around 4 PM on Sunday. The successful collaboration between the police and community vigilantes was praised, as they had been actively working on the case over the past few days.

According to a local source, the rescued individuals were immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention. "The priest and three other persons were rescued today at about 4 PM by a team of local vigilantes and the police, who have been working on the matter in the last few days," the source stated. The source expressed relief over the outcome of the operation while urging security agencies to enhance patrols in the area, which has been plagued by repeated kidnapping incidents.

DSP Peter Aondongu, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the rescue, noting that in addition to Rev. Fr. Otache, other victims were also freed during the operation. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of security in the region, where kidnappings have become increasingly common, prompting calls for more robust measures to protect residents and travelers alike.

The successful rescue operation has brought a sense of relief to the local community, who had been anxiously awaiting news of the kidnapped priest and the other victims. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe corridor, a route that has seen a troubling rise in criminal activity in recent months.