By Peter Duru

MAKURDI—The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, who was kidnapped about three months ago, Rev. Fr. John Adeyi, has been found dead at Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The decomposing body of Adeyi was found behind the office complex of Ogbadibo Local Government Education Authority by the search party combing the entire Benue South zone for him.

It would be recalled that Fr. Adeyi was abducted at Odoba village, along the busy Otukpo-Enugu road after mediating in a crisis between the parishioners and the parish priest of Odoba at the behest of the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo, Bishop Michael Apochi.

However, after he successfully resolved the crisis and was returning to Okpoga, armed men on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle and kidnapped him.

His disappearance sparked angry reactions from his family members and Catholic faithful in the state, who warned that the priest had health challenges.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Moses Yamu, confirmed that the decomposing remains of the cleric was discovered in Otukpa, adding that “Police have handed over the recovered body to his family.”

Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom, who also confirmed the development at a town hall meeting in Oju, vowed that his abductors and killers must be brought to justice.