Police have confirmed the rescue of Rev. Fr. John Otache, a Catholic priest abducted in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, along with other kidnapping victims.
The priest, of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, was among those taken to hospital for medical attention after the rescue. Reports differ on the number of other people freed.
Punch quoted a statement issued on Monday, October 19, by the police spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, as saying eight victims were rescued on two dates: two on October 16 and six on October 18.
Vanguard’s earlier report described the priest and three others being freed at about 4pm on Sunday, October 18. It quoted Aondongu confirming that the priest and other victims had been rescued, without giving a total in that confirmation.
According to the statement reported by Punch, police operatives worked with the Police Mobile Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards. Two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, were arrested in connection with the abduction.
Aondongu said the victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for examinations and treatment. He said the suspects were assisting the investigation and that efforts were continuing to apprehend other suspected members of the gang.
Otache, parish priest of St Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted on October 13. NaijaTrend previously reported the police confirmation of his abduction here.
Sources: Punch, Vanguard
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