Seminarian Abducted in Benue, Catholic Diocese Confirm

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo has confirmed the disappearance of one of its seminarians, Mr. Kelvin Ochai, describing the incident as painful and calling on the faithful to pray for his safe return.

In a statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, the Diocese said the incident occurred on Wednesday at the Bishop’s Residence in Asa III, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The Church described the development as deeply distressing and assured members that efforts were underway to secure the seminarian’s freedom.

According to the statement, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed profound sadness over the incident and appealed to parishioners and people of goodwill to keep the seminarian in their prayers.

The Diocese also said it remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at ensuring Ochai’s safe return while remembering other victims of kidnapping across Nigeria in its prayers. However, it did not provide additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command says it has not yet confirmed that the seminarian was abducted.

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The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, explained that the information available to the command indicates that Ochai left his residence to take a bath at another location but could not be found afterwards.

“The report in our possession is that the seminarian went out to take his bath, and the place where he went is different from where he resides. After some time, he could no longer be found. For now, it is still a case of a missing person,” Aondogwu said.

The police spokesperson also revealed that reports of an attempted abduction at the Bishop’s residence about two weeks earlier had never been officially reported to the command.

According to him, investigators only became aware of the alleged earlier incident after Ochai’s disappearance. He added that police have commenced investigations to determine whether the seminarian was kidnapped or if other circumstances led to his disappearance.