Gunmen Abduct Nine Catholic Worshippers In Benue Church Attack

Gunmen have abducted nine worshippers during a night vigil at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area in Benue State, triggering widespread fear and renewed concerns over insecurity in the region.

The victims were reportedly taken away on Sunday night while praying inside the church premises, in what residents described as a carefully planned and targeted attack.

Confirming the incident, a former councillor representing Ukwuenyo Ward in the Ado Legislative Council, Emmanuel Udah, said the abduction had left the entire community traumatised. He described the attack as a violation of a sacred space meant for peace, refuge, and worship.

Udah said residents now live in constant fear, noting that families, farmers, traders, and worshippers feel unsafe due to the growing wave of attacks across rural communities in Benue State.

He called on security agencies and government authorities at all levels to urgently strengthen security presence in the area and bring an end to what he described as continuous neglect and abandonment of vulnerable communities.

Udah also appealed to religious organisations, civil society groups, human rights advocates, and the international community to speak out and stand in solidarity with the affected community, stressing that urgent intervention was needed to rescue the abducted worshippers.

Confirming the abduction, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said tactical units, working in collaboration with local vigilantes, had been deployed to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victims.

She stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, had ordered an aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators, assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted worshippers unharmed.

The incident has once again highlighted the worsening security challenges facing rural communities in Benue State, as calls intensify for decisive government action to protect lives and property.