By Deborah Nnamdi
At least nine worshippers were abducted in the early hours of Sunday when suspected bandits stormed St. John’s Catholic Church at Ojije in Utonkon district of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
Local sources said the attackers invaded the church around 2 a.m. while a night vigil was ongoing. The victims, mostly women and youths, were attending the vigil when they were taken away by the assailants.
Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association in the local government area, Jude Onwe, said about nine worshippers were abducted during the attack. He stated that the gunmen struck while the congregation was engaged in night prayers.
The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunday Oche, also confirmed the abduction in a telephone interview on Monday, noting that the incident occurred during a 30-day vigil being held by the church. He expressed regret that the organisers did not involve security operatives despite repeated advice.
Oche said the local government had mobilised all relevant security agencies and assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims. He lamented what he described as the persistent disregard for security advice, especially concerning night activities.
He added that residents had been warned to always involve security agencies for events extending beyond 9 p.m., citing a previous incident in which an attempted kidnapping was foiled due to timely intervention. According to him, security operatives are currently on the trail of the abductors, while the general situation in the community remains calm.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said tactical teams had been deployed to the area to rescue the abducted worshippers.
The abduction comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity in Benue State, months after a deadly attack in Yelwata community in June last year, where about 200 people were killed, triggering widespread condemnation across the country and beyond.
