The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Benue State has confirmed the safe return of its seminarian, Kelvin Ochai, who was abducted by gunmen at Asa III in Otukpo Local Government Area. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo.
According to the diocese, Ochai escaped from the custody of his abductors on the evening of Friday, 31 July 2026, and made his way to Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he was reunited with his family unharmed. Fr. Itodo attributed the seminarian’s safe return to divine intervention and the prayers of Christians and well-wishers.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed profound gratitude to priests, religious, lay faithful and people of goodwill for their unwavering support and prayers throughout the period of the seminarian’s captivity. The confirmation has brought relief to the diocese, the family and the wider community following the abduction.
