Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Benue State, on Thursday, raised the alarm that one of her Priests, Rev. Fr. Peter Amodu, was kidnapped along the Enugu-Otukpo Federal Highway in the state.
The Diocese Chancellor, Rev. Father Joseph Itodo, who raised the alarm in a press statement, said that Father Amodu was abducted on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at about 5:00 pm along Otukpo/Ugbokolo highway.
The Chancellor explained that the parish priest was on his way to Okwungaga-Ugbokolo to celebrate Holy mass when he was abducted.
The statement reads, “We write to notify you of the kidnap of Rev. Fr. Peter Amodu, a priest of the Holy’ Ghost Congregation who is working in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo as Parish Priest of Holy Ghost Parish, Eke-Olengbeche.
“The sad incident occurred today, July 6, 2022, at about 5.00 pm along Otukpo – Ugbokolo Road, Benue State, while he was on his way to celebrate the Holy Mass at Okwungaga-Ughbokolo.
“The Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has called on all Christ’s Faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and beyond to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release as we intensify efforts to ensure his release,
“We commend our brother and all those in the kidnappers’ den to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors.
Also Confirming the incident, the Director of Communication of Otukpo Diocese, John Okpotu, said that the priest was abducted on Wednesday.
However, the Benue State Police Command had also confirm the ugly development.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, a Superintendent of Police said the Kidnap of a Rv. Father at Otukpo- Okwungaga road is confirmed and investigation is ongoing.