By Nicholas Ojo
A Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Mark Ojotu, has been reportedly abducted by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, along the Okpoga-Ojapo road in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Quest Times gathered that Rev. Ojotu, who was kidnapped on Thursday Dec 22, is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga in Okpokwu LGA.
Confirming the incident was the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in a letter from the Diocesan Secretariat addressed to all Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful by the Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Joseph Aboyi.
The letter reads; “We write to notify you of the kidnap of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Mark Ojotu. He is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga. The sad incident occurred today (Thursday) December 22, 2022 at about 5pm along Okpoga – Ojapo Road, Okpokwu LGA, Benue State.
“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 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 letter stated.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP. Catherine Anene also confirmed the abduction to Journalists in Makurdi, adding that the command is on the trail of the kidnappers.