A Nigerian priest has been rescued after being held hostage for five days as Christian persecution continues in Nigeria.
His release has been confirmed by the Fides Agency, an arm of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
Fr. John Inalegwu Otache was released last Sunday, October 18, after being kidnapped in north-central Nigeria.
“With hearts overflowing with joy and gratitude to God, we announce the release of our priest, Reverend Father John Inalegwu Otache”, the Diocese of Otukpo announced.
According to police authorities in Benue, Father Otache was rescued by security forces, during which other kidnapped people were released and taken to University Hospital of Otukpo.
Fides Agency noted that local sources reported that citizen vigilante groups were involved in the rescue operation.
Priests are being increasingly targeted in Nigeria, with the diocese of Otukpo suffering another incident when a seminarian escaped his captors after being held for more than two weeks.
Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, urged the Nigerian government to take measures to put an end to kidnappings.
A senior advisor to the Nigerian President rejected claims that Christians were being targeted in violence in comments to Premier Christian News this March.
However, a US House of Representatives report from February described Nigeria as the most dangerous place in the world to practice the Christian faith.
Lydia Nwankwo, a Christian volunteer with the Nigerian Red Cross, was shot dead at the start of October alongside her sister Victoria.
And in June, 28 Christians were targeted and killed by Fulani herdsmen, with attackers targeting and hunting down Christians, including the pastor of the Church of Christ in Nations, Rev Markus Nyam.
Persecution watchdog Open Doors ranks Nigeria seventh on their World Watch List and reported that nearly 3,500 Christians were killed in Nigeria last year.
More than 7 in 10 Christians killed for their faith across the world in 2025 were killed in Nigeria.
Rapper Nicki Minaj recently spoke out about the oppression of Christians in Nigeria, calling on celebrities and influencers to join her call to highlight Christian persecution in the country.