The Benue State Police Command has rescued a Catholic priest and seven other kidnap victims following coordinated security operations in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

The rescued priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, was abducted alongside other victims while travelling along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, near Ipiga village.

The police also arrested two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, during the rescue operations.

The command’s spokesperson, Peter Aondongu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

Victims Rescued in Two Operations

According to the police, the priest and the other victims were kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while returning from a village market.

Following a report of the incident, police operatives, personnel of the Police Mobile Force and members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards were deployed to the area to conduct a coordinated rescue operation.

The operation resulted in the rescue of two victims on October 16, while six others were rescued on October 18.

The police did not disclose the identities of all the rescued victims.

Two Suspects Arrested

The command confirmed that Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel were arrested during the operations.

Aondongu said the suspects were assisting investigators as efforts continued to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal gang who remained at large.

The police said the investigation was ongoing, with the command seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the abductions and identify others allegedly involved.

Rescued Victims Taken to Hospital

The eight rescued victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for medical examinations and necessary treatment.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers and other security personnel involved in the operation for their response and professionalism.

He also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force.

The command urged residents to provide timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The two arrested suspects remain under investigation, and the allegations against them have not been established by a court.