The Benue State Government has confirmed the rescue of nine worshippers abducted during a midnight prayer session at Saint John Catholic Church in the Ojije area of Utonkon community, Ado Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security operatives for their swift response, describing the rescue as a significant breakthrough.
The governor assured residents that security agencies and local vigilante groups would continue to collaborate to combat kidnapping and prevent future occurrences. He also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to assist security forces in tracking down criminal elements.
Following the abduction and other attacks in Benue South, the governor convened a high-level security meeting on February 13, 2026, at the Palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo. The meeting brought together the Idoma Traditional Council and top security officials, where he directed the immediate rescue of the victims.
Gunmen had abducted the nine worshippers during a church vigil last Sunday, sparking fear across the community. A former councillor representing Ukwuenyo Ward, Emmanuel Udah, described the incident as a targeted and planned attack against the church, noting that residents were traumatised and increasingly fearful.
He called on authorities to strengthen security measures and address recurring attacks in the area, warning that many communities felt abandoned despite repeated incidents.
Confirming the earlier abduction, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Udeme Edet, said nine worshippers were taken. She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, deployed tactical teams in collaboration with local vigilantes to track the perpetrators and secure the victims’ release, adding that investigations are ongoing.
