RismadarVoice Reporters, July 31, 2026
Suspected bandits have attacked the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese in Benue State, abducting a seminarian during the assault.
The victim, identified as Mr Kelvin Ochai, was reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday when the gunmen invaded the Bishop’s residence at Asa III in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
According to the statement, Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, who expressed deep sadness over the incident, appealed to members of the Catholic faithful and Nigerians of goodwill to pray for the seminarian’s safe return.
The bishop also urged Christians to remain steadfast in prayer amid the growing insecurity affecting communities across the country.
“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 read.
The diocese offered prayers for the release of Ochai and all other victims currently being held by kidnappers and other criminal groups across Nigeria.
