Suspected bandits have abducted at least nine worshipers during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State.
The attack occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday during a 30-day church programme. Local sources confirmed the abduction to PUNCH Metro on Monday.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, Comrade Jude Onwe, stated, “Around 2 a.m., nine worshipers, including women and youths, were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church while they were at the vigil.”
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Ado LGA, Sunday Oche, lamented that the church failed to involve security operatives despite prior advice. “That is what we have been battling with. We received the sad news of the abduction, and I have mobilised all the security agencies. We are working seriously,” Oche said.
He urged residents to involve security personnel in night activities, emphasizing that ignoring such warnings puts people at risk.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said tactical teams have been deployed to rescue the victims. “Security personnel are on the trail of the abductors, and efforts to rescue the worshippers are ongoing,” he added.
This latest abduction highlights the persistent insecurity in Benue State, which has suffered multiple violent attacks, including the June 2025 Yelwata massacre that claimed about 200 lives.
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