Nine worshippers abducted during night vigil in Benue Catholic Church
Nine Worshippers Abducted During Night Vigil in Benue State
OJije, Benue State — Nine worshippers were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District, early Sunday during a nocturnal vigil, raising concerns about security in the area.
The victims, primarily women and youths, were taken around 2 a.m. while participating in a 30-day church vigil. Residents reported that the incident has left the community traumatized, disrupting daily life for parents, children, farmers, traders, and other locals.
Jude Onwe, National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, highlighted the abduction as a sign of escalating insecurity in rural parts of Benue State. “Our people were praying. They were unarmed and vulnerable. This is not an isolated incident,” he stated. Onwe urged both the Federal and Benue State Governments to take decisive action for the victims’ rescue and called upon religious, civil society, and human rights organizations to support the community.
Ado Local Government Chairman Sunday Oche confirmed the abduction, declaring the incident unfortunate. He reported swift action from the council following the news. “Once we received the sad news, I mobilized all security agencies, and we are working diligently to ensure the victims are rescued,” Oche said.
Oche advised residents against holding nighttime events without proper security measures, suggesting that gatherings should conclude by 9 p.m. “Any program held at night—whether a marriage, burial, or festival—must involve security agencies,” he said.
He also cautioned against rushing to assign blame, stressing that security agencies are following credible leads and that it is premature to draw any conclusions.
DSP Edet Udeme, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the abduction but noted that further details are being gathered. She assured that updates would be provided as new information becomes available.
