The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Benue State has announced the safe return of its seminarian, Kelvin Ochai, who was abducted by gunmen at Asa III in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, on Saturday, the Diocese attributed the seminarian’s safe return to divine intervention and the prayers of Christians and well-wishers.
Reports say the seminarian escaped from the custody of his abductors and made his way to Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, where he was reunited with his family unharmed.
Part of the release read: “Through the prayers of the people of God, Kelvin escaped from the custody of his abductors on the evening of Friday, 31st July, 2026, and made his way to Aliade, Gwer East LGA of Benue State. He has since been safely reunited with his family and is unharmed.”
Meanwhile the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has thanked the priests, religious, lay faithful, and people of goodwill for their unwavering support and prayers during the period of the seminarian’s captivity.
