The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo has announced the safe return of its seminarian, Kelvin Ochai, who was kidnapped by armed men at Asa III in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The development was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo. He credited the seminarian’s safe return to God’s intervention, as well as the prayers offered by Christians and other well-wishers.
According to the statement, Ochai escaped from his captors on Friday evening and successfully reached Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State. He was later reunited with his family without sustaining any injuries.
“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 read in part.
The Diocese also conveyed the appreciation of the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, who thanked priests, religious, lay faithful, and people of goodwill for their steadfast prayers and support throughout the period of the seminarian’s captivity.
