By Jelili Gbadamosi
Kelvin Ochai, a seminarian of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Benue State,, has regained his freedom after escaping from the custody of his abductors and safely reuniting with his family.
The Catholic Diocese confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo.
According to the statement, Ochai escaped from his captors on the evening of Friday, July 31, 2026, and made his way to Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, where he was received by his family unharmed.
The diocese attributed the seminarian’s safe return to divine intervention and the prayers offered by Christians and other well-wishers during his captivity.
“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 said.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed gratitude to priests, religious faithful, and people of goodwill for their steadfast prayers and support throughout the ordeal.
Ochai was abducted after armed men attacked the Bishop’s residence at Asa III in Otukpo Local Government Area, sparking widespread concern among members of the Catholic community and residents of the state. His escape brings a positive end to the incident, although security concerns remain over persistent attacks in parts of Benue State.
