Father John Inalegwu Otache, a priest of the diocese of Otukpo, in Nigeria, was released last Sunday, October 18, after being held hostage for five days. The news has been confirmed by the diocese and by the police authorities of the state of Benue, according to the Fides Agency, the information organ of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
The priest, pastor of Saint Margaret of Ajegbe-Awume, had been kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, while returning from Otukpo on the road connecting Otobi Amejo with Ajegbe, in the Ohimini area, in the north-central part of the country.
The diocese confirms his release
“With hearts overflowing with joy and gratitude to God, we announce the release of our priest, Reverend Father John Inalegwu Otache,” the diocese of Otukpo announced in a statement signed by its chancellor, Father Joseph Itodo.
The bishop of Otukpo, Monsignor Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed his gratitude to the priests, religious, faithful, and people of goodwill who accompanied the priest with their prayers during his days of captivity.
According to the police authorities of Benue, Father Otache was rescued during an operation by the security forces in which other kidnapped persons were also released. The freed individuals were taken to the University Hospital of Otukpo for medical examinations.
The Fides Agency notes that some local sources have also reported the participation of citizen vigilante groups in the operation. No details have been released regarding the identity of the kidnappers.
Another priest remains missing since December
The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) also celebrated the release of Father Otache and recalled the situation of Father Emmanuel Ezema, a priest of the diocese of Zaria, kidnapped on December 2, 2025.
Father Ezema was captured by armed men at his residence in the parish of Saint Peter of Rumi, in the state of Kaduna. Since then, no information has been provided about his release.
The disappearance of the priest was denounced by his diocese, which requested prayers for his return. His situation continues to be a cause for concern for the Nigerian Church.
The kidnappings of priests in Nigeria
The release of Father Otache occurs amid the persistent insecurity affecting various regions of Nigeria, where priests, seminarians, and faithful have been victims of kidnappings.
The diocese of Otukpo itself suffered another incident in August, when a seminarian kidnapped at the episcopal residence managed to escape from his captors after being held for more than two weeks.
In May, Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, of the diocese of Kafanchan, was also released; he had been kidnapped in February during an attack on his parish in the state of Kaduna.
The succession of kidnappings has prompted repeated demands to the authorities. Last July, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, demanded that the Nigerian government take measures to end this situation and stated that the authorities “have no excuse” for failing to guarantee the security of the population.