Gunmen have abducted nine worshippers from St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, during a vigil in the early hours of Sunday.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. while the victims mostly women and youths were praying as part of an ongoing 30-day church programme.
The attackers struck suddenly, whisking away the unarmed congregants and leaving the community in shock and fear.
The abduction has sparked widespread anxiety across Utonkon District, with residents reporting disrupted daily life as farmers, traders, parents, and other congregants live in heightened fear amid the broader pattern of rural insecurity in Benue State.
Mr. Jude Onwe, National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, condemned the attack, describing the victims as vulnerable and defenseless during prayer.
He called on the Federal and Benue State governments for urgent decisive action, intensified security deployment, and support from religious bodies, civil society, human rights groups, and the international community.
The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Mr. Sunday Oche, described the incident as unfortunate and part of ongoing security challenges in the area.
He said security agencies were immediately mobilized upon receiving the report to rescue the victims.
He advised against holding night events without adequate security and suggested limiting such programmes to before 9:00 p.m., while urging restraint in assigning blame and noting that agencies are pursuing credible leads.
DSP Edet Udeme, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the abduction but stated that details were still being compiled, with further updates to be provided as investigations progress.
Security forces are actively working on credible clues to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
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