Gunmen abduct Benue Catholic priest

Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. David Echioda, in Otukpo, Benue State.

According to a source, who identified himself as Ankeli Amanyi, the priest of Otukpo Catholic Diocese was abducted on Sunday afternoon along Alla-Akpa Road while returning home after conducting mass at Utonkon in the Ado Local Government Area of the state.

The abduction of the cleric, who comes from Oshugbudu in the Agatu Local Government Area of the state, came four years after the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and priest in charge of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Ugwu Okpoga, the Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state, Rev. Fr. John Adeyi, was kidnapped and later killed by his abductors.

Amanyi told our correspondent on the telephone that Echioda ran into his abductors who seized his phones and bundled him into his car before taking him to unknown destination.

He said, “Some boys stopped him and collected his phones and destroyed them.

“An Okada rider who ran into the hoodlums was forced to stop by the armed boys who ordered him to drive them in the priest’s car. But as the Okada boy was trying to park his motorcycle he jumped into the bush and escaped.

“It was the Okada boy that came to break the news to the Bishop house in Otukpo.

“As I speak with you, the kidnappers are yet to open contact with anyone while his whereabouts are still unknown.”

The Director of Information, Catholic Diocese, Otukpo, Rev. Fr. John Okopopu, confirmed Echioda’s kidnap.

He said, “It is true, the Rev. Fr. was kidnapped along Alla-Akpa Road. Unfortunately, the people (abductors) are yet to open contact with the family or anyone.”

The Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, DSP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the priest’s abduction.

She said, “Yes, I am confirming the kidnap of the priest.”