Gunmen kidnap Seminarian from Bishop’s residence in Benue

Gunmen on Wednesday reportedly kidnapped a seminarian identified as Kelvin Ochai at  the residence of Catholic Bishop, Otukpo in Benue State.

According to the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo  confirmed the abduction in a statement issued on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The statement was signed by  the Diocesan Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo

He said that no information had been received yet about whereabouts of the kidnapped of the Seminarian

According to the statement, “The Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed deep sadness over the incident and called on all Christ’s faithful within the diocese and people of goodwill to offer earnest prayers for the seminarian’s quick and safe release.

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“The Bishop also assured the faithful that efforts are being intensified to secure Mr. Ochai’s freedom.

The Diocese said it had committed the abducted seminarian, along with all other victims of kidnapping across Nigeria, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu who confirmed the incident however described it as ‘a case of missing person.’

According to the PPRO, “They reported that a seminarian from the Bishop residence was missing. And the report we got was that he left his room to go and take a bath. So it is assumed that where they take their bath  is different building from where he resides.

“So they noticed that after a while they did not see him again. But nobody saw anything. We believe that the rumours of his abduction is coming as a result of rumors.

The PPRO added, “We were told that about two weeks ago, some persons came to the house and tried to abduct this same seminarian but he escaped. So it’s why they feel it’s abduction.

“For now we will see it as a missing person case but investigation will reveal the exact situation later.