The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Benue State officially announced that Kelvin Ochai, a seminarian abducted by gunmen in Asa III, Otukpo, on July 29, 2026, has escaped his captors. Ochai successfully fled on the evening of July 31 and reached Aliade in the Gwer East Local Government Area, where he reunited with his family uninjured.
Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, the Diocesan Chancellor, credited the safe return to divine intervention and community prayers in a statement released Saturday. Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, the Bishop of the Diocese, offered deep gratitude to the clergy, laity, and supporters who kept vigil throughout the crisis. The Bishop specifically recognized the assistance provided by Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ioryue, the community at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Aliade, and the Nigeria Police Force.
Addressing the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, Bishop Apochi concluded the statement by praying for the safety of other individuals currently held in captivity. He called for divine protection and a return of peace and justice across the nation.
