- 9 worshippers abducted during night vigil in Benue church
- Ojije community in Utonkon thrown into fear and panic
- Benue insecurity worsens as residents demand action
- Security agencies begin rescue operation
Fear has gripped Ojije community in Utonkon District, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, after gunmen abducted nine worshippers from a Catholic church during a night vigil on Sunday, raising fresh concerns over rising insecurity in Benue rural areas.
Nine worshippers were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District, during a night vigil in the early hours of Sunday, plunging the entire community into fear and anxiety.
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The victims, made up mostly of women and young people, were taken around 2:00 a.m. while participating in a 30-day prayer vigil at the church. Residents said the attack has traumatized families and disrupted daily activities, as farmers, traders, and church members now live in constant fear.
Speaking on the incident, Mr. Jude Onwe, National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, described the abduction as a painful reminder of the worsening security situation in rural Benue.
“Our people were praying. They were unarmed. They were vulnerable. This is not an isolated incident. Silence will kill us,” Onwe said.
“We are raising our voices because our lives matter and Utonkon matters.”
He called on the Federal Government and Benue State Government to take urgent action, while also appealing to security agencies, religious bodies, civil society groups, and the international community to support efforts to rescue the victims.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Mr. Sunday Oche, described the abduction as unfortunate but said swift steps had been taken.
“The incident is true. Once we received the sad news, I mobilized all security agencies, and we are working seriously to ensure the victims are rescued,” Oche stated.
He warned residents against holding night events without security presence, stressing that such gatherings should not go beyond 9 p.m. to reduce risks.
“Any programme held at night without security endangers lives,” he warned.
Oche also urged the public to avoid spreading blame, noting that investigations were still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, confirmed the abduction and assured residents that details would be released as investigations progress.