Bandits Attack Catholic Bishop’s Residence in Benue, Abduct Seminarian

Suspected bandits have attacked the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese in Benue State, abducting a seminarian, Kelvin Ochai.
The attack occurred on Wednesday at the Bishop's residence in the Asa III area of Otukpo Local Government Area, where the gunmen reportedly invaded the premises and abducted the seminarian.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday.
He said the Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, was deeply saddened by the attack and appealed to members of the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to pray for the seminarian's quick and safe release.
"The Bishop is deeply saddened by this unfortunate development and calls on all Christ's faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and all people of goodwill to earnestly pray for the seminarian's quick and safe release," the statement said.
The diocese added: "We commit our brother and all those in the kidnappers' den throughout the country to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors."
The church also offered prayers for the safe release of all Nigerians currently in captivity, urging continued support and solidarity with victims of kidnapping across the country.