Insecurity: Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest in Benue State

• Reverend Father Mark Ojotu has been kidnapped by some unknownn gunmen along Okpoga-Ojapo road in Benue state
• The abduction has also been confirmed by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in a letter addressed to all priests
• Ojotu joined a host of other clerics who have been kidnapped by gunmen in different locations in Nigeria

Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Mark Ojotu, along Okpoga-Ojapo road in Okpokwu local government area of Benue state.

It was learnt that Ojotu, who is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga in Okpokwu LGA, was abducted Thursday evening.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in a letter from the Diocesan Secretariat addressed to all Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful by the Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Joseph Aboyi, confirmed the abduction of the priest.

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“We write to notify you of the kidnap of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Mark Ojotu. He is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga. The sad incident occurred today (Thursday) December 22, 2022 at about 5pm along Okpoga – Ojapo Road, Okpokwu LGA, Benue State.

“The Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has called on all Christ’s Faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and beyond to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release as we intensify efforts to ensure his release.

“We commit our brother and all those in the kidnappers’ den throughout the country to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Vi*gin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors,” the letter stated.

The abduction of priests as well as commuters plying the route has become common in the area.

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Five months ago, another priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Amodu, was kidnapped along the road while on his way to celebrate the Holy Mass at Okwungaga in the same Okpokwu LGA but later regained his freedom.

2023 presidency: Catholic priest talks tough, reveals Igbos' enemies, sends strong message to Tinubu, Atiku

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP. Catherine Anene, confirmed to newsmen in Makurdi that the command is on the trail of the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, a notable priest of the Roman Catholic church, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, has berated some Igbo politicians and stakeholders, saying they have been making efforts to pull down one of their own who has been working very hard to become the next president of Nigeria.

The Christian cleric also berated the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for what he described as unfair treatment of the Igbo nation, and the southeast in the country's political trajectory.

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Legit.ng's regional reporter in Anambra, Mokwugwo Solomon, reported that the priest, popularly known as Fr. Ebube Muonso, made the assertion in a homily during a midnight programme at the Holy Ghost Adoration ground, Uke, on Friday, December 16.

Correct Bishop: Brave cleric rejects APC Gov's massive cash gift, tells him to use it to pay workers

There was drama recently in a Catholic church in Cross River where an outspoken cleric, Bishop John Ebele Ayah, the metropolitan bishop of Uyo Diocese, rejected a cash gift from Governor Ben Ayade.

The occasion was the thanksgiving service at St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Ikot Ansa, Calabar, in honour of Justice Emmanuel Agim Akomaye who was elevated to the Supreme Court.

In a quick response, the Bishop took the microphone and told the governor to take the money, add to it and use the sum to pay workers' salaries, a position which was hailed by congregants who said, "Correct Bishop, God bless you!"

Source: Legit.ng