Police Confirm Abduction of Nine Catholic Worshippers in Benue Church Attack

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of nine worshippers from Saint John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in the Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were taken by gunmen on Sunday night during a vigil held within the church premises.

Spokesperson of the command, Udeme Edet, said the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has deployed tactical units in collaboration with local vigilantes to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted worshippers.

According to her, “security operatives are already on the trail of the attackers, assuring residents that “efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims unharmed.”

The latest abduction adds to a growing list of violent attacks across several communities in Benue State, where residents have faced repeated incidents of kidnappings, killings, and raids on farms and villages.

Over the past months, rural communities in local government areas such as Ado, Kwande, Guma, Logo, and parts of Ukum have suffered sustained assaults by armed groups, often leaving many dead and forcing families to flee their homes.

Despite repeated security deployments and government assurances, residents say attacks have continued largely unchecked, deepening fear and disrupting farming activities the main livelihood in the state.

The abduction of worshippers from a church has further heightened concerns over safety in places once considered secure, as communities continue to call for stronger and more consistent security presence across Benue State.

Speaking to Poiintblanknews.com on the issue in a telephone interview, Hon Terseer Ugbor representing Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency said the situation has brought untold hardship and growing restiveness increasing on the people

“The prolonged insecurity has caused widespread suffering, deep economic hardship, and growing restiveness among the people. The serious concern is the Turan and Ikyurav-ya axis which borders Cameroon and Taraba State rapidly emerging as a safe haven for criminal and terrorist elements. If left unchecked, this area risks becoming a major security hotspot that would be extremely difficult to contain due to its vast landmass and mountainous terrain.”