Benue Seminarian Kelvin Ochai Escapes From Abductors

Benue seminarian Kelvin Ochai has returned safely after escaping from the gunmen who abducted him in Otukpo.

The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo said Ochai escaped on the evening of Friday, July 31, and reached Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he was reunited with his family unharmed. The update follows NaijaTrend’s earlier report here on the dispute between police and church accounts of the abduction.

Ochai was abducted at Asa III in Otukpo on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. In the church statement reported by Vanguard and Daily Post, the diocesan chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the seminarian had escaped from captivity and was back with his family.

The diocese thanked priests, parishioners and other well-wishers for their support during the period of captivity. It also thanked Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ioryue, parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Aliade and the Nigeria Police Force for care and assistance after Ochai reached safety.

Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi also prayed for other people still held captive across Nigeria, asking for their safe rescue and for peace in affected communities.

Sources: Vanguard and Daily Post.