Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Seminarian After Invading Bishop's Residence in Benue
A Catholic seminarian, Kelvin Ochai, has been abducted by suspected gunmen after they reportedly stormed the residence of a Catholic bishop in Benue State.Read original
The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 29, at the Bishop's residence in the Asa III area of Otukpo Local Government Area.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, confirmed the abduction in a statement released on Friday, July 31.
According to the statement, Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi expressed deep sadness over the incident and appealed to members of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and people of goodwill to pray fervently for the seminarian's safe and swift release.
The diocese also entrusted Ochai and other victims of kidnapping across the country to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying for their protection and freedom.
The statement read in part: "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 abduction adds to growing concerns over the rising cases of insecurity and kidnappings targeting religious institutions and communities in parts of Nigeria.
