The Benue state police command has arrested four suspects over the abduction of nine worshippers in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado LGA.
The worshippers were kidnapped on February 8 while observing
a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, but were freed few days
later through rescue efforts by security operatives.
In a statement on Sunday, Udeme Edet, the command’s
spokesperson, said police had intensified efforts to apprehend other members of
the kidnapping network who are currently on the run.
Edet said investigations are being handled by the criminal
investigation department in collaboration with the inspector-general of police
intelligence response team (IRT).
She said the rescue of the victims was achieved through
coordinated efforts with other security agencies.
According to the police, two suspects were first arrested on
February 11 after operatives of the Ado division acted on credible
intelligence.
”On 11th February 2026, operatives of the Ado Division,
acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects — Abubakar Jibril (male)
and Ashiru Ibrahim (male) — in connection with the night-vigil kidnapping
incident,” Punch quoted her as saying.
“The suspects were found in possession of five (5) rounds of
7.62mm ammunition. In line with established investigative procedures, the
suspects were handed over to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence
Response Team (IRT) for further investigation.”
Edet said a follow-up operation on February 14 led to a raid
on the hideout of Ashiru Ibrahim by IRT operatives and tactical teams of the
Benue police command.
“The operation led to the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle
and eight (8) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, as well as the arrest of two
additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate,”
she added.
“Investigations so far have clearly established that the
arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction that occurred during the
night vigil at St. John Catholic Church.
“As a result of sustained pressure mounted through
coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining
communities, the kidnapped victims were successfully released unhurt.”
The police spokesperson also noted that the
Inspector-General of police approved the deployment of the Nigeria Police Air Wing, alongside additional tactical units, to strengthen security operations in
Benue.
According to her, the deployment is intended to improve
intelligence-led policing and limit the operational capacity of criminal groups
in the state.
Ifeanyi Emenari, the state’s commissioner of police,
commended the support of the Benue state government, the leadership of the
Catholic diocese, the chairman of Ado LGA, and other security agencies,
including the Nigerian Army.
Emenari said the collaboration played a critical role in the
successful rescue of the worshippers and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to
combating kidnapping, banditry, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.
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