Suspected bandits kidnapped at least nine worshippers on Sunday during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State.
As part of a 30-day program, the church was conducting a vigil when the attack happened, according to local sources on Monday, at around two in the morning.
Comrade Jude, the LGA’s National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association Onwe informed our correspondent that nine worshippers, including ladies and young people, were kidnapped from St. John’s Catholic Church as they were attending the vigil at around two in the morning.
Sunday Oche, Chairman of Ado LGA, confirmed the occurrence and bemoaned the church’s failure to hire security personnel in spite of earlier recommendations.
We have been struggling with that. We learned of the tragic kidnapping, and I have called in all the security services. Oche stated, “We are working seriously.”
He reminded citizens that disregarding such warnings puts individuals in danger and asked them to include security professionals in nighttime activities. “We’re worried that people disregard the advice to call the police whenever a nighttime event, like a wedding, funeral, or celebration, lasts past 9 p.m.,” he stated.
According to Udeme Edet, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, tactical teams have been sent to the scene in order to rescue the victims. He continued, “Efforts are underway to rescue the worshippers, and security personnel are on the trail of the abductors.”
With numerous violent incidents, notably the June 2025 massacre in Yelwata that took over 200 lives and earned national and international criticism, the state has seen an increase in instability, which is highlighted by the most recent kidnapping.
