Posted by Chinenye on Fri 31st Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
A shocking incident has unsettled a community in Benue after a religious figure was taken away in a late-night attack. A
(Seminarian. Photo Credit: Benue Today)
In the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, a Catholic seminarian named Mr. Kelvin Ochai was abducted by persons who were suspected of being bandits.
According to reports, the armed men attacked the Bishop's home in Otukpo's Asa III neighborhood on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Friday, Otukpo Diocesan Chancellor Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo acknowledged the situation.
Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, "who is deeply saddened by this unfortunate development," has urged all Christ-followers in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo as well as kindhearted individuals to fervently pray for the seminarian's prompt and secure release, according to the statement.
"We commit our brother and all those in the k+dnappers' den throughout the country to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their swift and safe release from the hands of their abd¥ctors," the statement continued.
Additionally, the Diocese prayed for Ochai and other Nigerians who are presently being held captive by bandits and other gònmen to be released safely.
The seminarian's whereabouts and the circumstances behind the abduction are yet unknown, but efforts are anticipated to continue in order to secure his safe release.