Attah Ede, Makurdi
Unknown Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, has kidnapped Reverend Father Mark Ojotu, Catholic Priest incharge of St. Mary’s Hospital Okpoga, Okpokwu LGA of Benue State.
A source from the area who did not want his name mentioned in print, told our correspondent that, the Catholic Priest was abducted by the armed men along Ojapo road in Okpoga at about 5pm, on Thursday.
He said that uptill this moment, the abductors have not establish contact with the leadership of the diocese and even the immediate family.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Benue state, whose Fr. Mark Ojotu is serving under, had confirmed the abduction of the priest Rev. Father Mark Ojotu.
The diocese disclosed that Fr Ojotu is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga, in Okpokwu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.
A letter from the diocesan secretariat signed by the Chancellor, Joseph Itodo, said Ojotu was kidnapped on Thursday, December, 22nd 2022 at about 5.00 pm along Okpoga-Ojapo Road.
“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.”The letter read in part
He committed the abducted priest 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 Benue State Command Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, also confirmed the incident.
She stated that policemen were on the trail of the kidnappers, saying that the command will do everything possible to rescue the priest.
“Incident confirmed and the command is on the trail of the priest and hoodlums involved,” Anene stated.
