The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and the Benue State Police Command have presented conflicting versions of events surrounding the disappearance of seminarian, Kelvin Ochai from the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi.
While the Catholic Diocese maintained that Ochai was abducted on Wednesday night from the Bishop’s residence in Asa III, Otukpo, the police said the incident is currently being investigated as a missing person case.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Joseph Itodo, disclosed that no communication had been received from the alleged kidnappers since the incident occurred.
He added that efforts were being intensified to ensure the seminarian regained his freedom.
The statement read in part, “The Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed deep sadness over the incident and called on all Christ’s faithful within the diocese and people of goodwill to offer earnest prayers for the seminarian’s quick and safe release.
“The Bishop also assured the faithful that efforts are being intensified to secure Mr. Ochai’s freedom.”
The diocese further entrusted the safety of the missing seminarian and other kidnap victims across Nigeria to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying for their swift and safe return.
However, the Benue State Police Command said available information does not yet support claims that the seminarian was kidnapped.
Speaking on the matter, the Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondona, explained that investigators were handling the case as a disappearance pending further findings.
“The report in our
