Gunmen are suspected of kidnapping Rev. Father Mark Ojotu, a Catholic priest from the Otukpo Diocese in the state of Benue.
Goldennewsng reports that Ojotu is the chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital in Okpoga, which is located in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue state and falls under the Otukpo diocese.
The casualty was stole along Okpoga-Ojapo street on Thursday around 5 pm.
Through a letter from the diocesan secretariat that was signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr., the diocese confirmed the abduction. Joseph Itodo, and it was addressed to all religious, lay, and priestly followers.
“We write to notify you of the kidnapping of one of our priests, Rev. Fr.,” read the letter. Ojotu, Mark.
He is the chaplain at Okpoga’s St. Mary’s Hospital. The tragic incident occurred on Okpoga-Ojapo Road in Okpokwu LGA, Benue State, today, December 22, 2022, around 5:00 p.m.
“As we intensify our efforts to ensure his release, the Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has called on all Christ’s faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and beyond to pray fervently for his quick and safe release.
“We commend our brother and all those in the kidnapper’s den across the nation to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their swift and secure release from their abductors.”
Catherine Anene, the State Command Public Relations Officer, said that the incident was true and that the kidnappers were being pursued by police.
“Occurrence affirmed and the order is on the path of the cleric and criminals included,” Anene said in a succinct message shipped off our reporter.