The Catechist of St. Martins Parish, Mbape, in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Oliver Vershima, has absconded from the area after the lifeless body of his middle-aged lover was allegedly found in his possession.

It was gathered that the youths in the area nabbed Vershima with the corpse of his lover while trying to discard the body but escaped before being taken to the police station.

It was learned that the deceased, who was in a sexual relationship with the catechist, became pregnant and lost her life while trying to terminate the pregnancy.

A resident of the community, identified simply as Terhemba, on Tuesday, June 6, disclosed that the incident occurred at about 7 p.m. last Saturday.

Terhemba said: “The catechist, on discovering that the lady had lost her life, early Saturday, while both of them tried to terminate the pregnancy, using local herbs, hid the corpse in his room till nightfall.

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“He had planned to dispose of the corpse in any neighbouring village and probably flee. Unfortunately for him, he was caught while attempting to move the corpse on a commercial motorcycle.

“He was apprehended with the corpse of the lady by the youths and handed over to his leaders but, strangely, he escaped before being taken to the police.

“However, the corpse of the woman, who was suspected to have come from a neighbouring village, was handed over to the Police, who are now searching for the fleeing catechist.”

The incident was confirmed by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene.

“The corpse of the said young girl, who was said to have visited her man friend, was recovered and taken to the mortuary after a report was received, but the said Oliver is yet to be seen, as he brought the corpse out of his room and ran away,” Anene said.

The Star