A seminarian of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Benue State, Kelvin Ochai, has escaped from his abductors and returned safely to his family.
The diocese confirmed Ochai’s return in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo.
According to the statement, the seminarian was abducted by gunmen at Asa III in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state before escaping from captivity on Friday, July 31, 2026.
The diocese said Ochai later made his way to Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he was reunited with his family unharmed.
“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,” the statement said.
Fr. Itodo attributed the development to divine intervention and thanked Christians and well-wishers for their prayers and support.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, also expressed appreciation to priests, religious leaders, lay faithful, and others who supported the diocese during the period of Ochai’s captivity.
