The Benue State Police Command has rescued a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, and seven other kidnap victims following a coordinated security operation in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were abducted on October 13, 2026, when armed men reportedly ambushed them along the Otobi Amejo–Ajegbe Road as they travelled in the area.

Otache is the parish priest of St Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, under the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo. His abduction had prompted concern among church leaders and residents, with the diocese appealing for prayers and his safe return.

The police said the rescue operation involved officers of the state command, Police Mobile Force personnel and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.

According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondongu, the operation led to the rescue of all eight victims, with two freed on October 16 and the remaining six on October 18.

Two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, were arrested during the operations and are assisting investigators with inquiries into the abduction.

The rescued victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for medical examinations and necessary treatment.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the operation and acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General overseeing the Police Mobile Force.

The command said efforts were being intensified to apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the kidnapping and bring those responsible to justice.

It urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support investigations and prevent further criminal activities.

The incident highlights continuing concerns over kidnapping along rural roads in Benue State, where armed attacks have threatened the safety of residents and travellers.