Gunmen Abduct Nine Worshippers During Night Vigil in Benue

Panic swept through Ojije in Utonkon District, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, after nine worshippers were kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday.

The victims, mostly young women, were reportedly taken around 2 a.m. while participating in a 30-day night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church. Residents say the incident has left the community shaken, with farmers, traders, parents, and children struggling to return to normal life.

Jude Onwe, National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, described the attack as part of a troubling pattern of insecurity affecting rural communities in the state.

“Our people were praying. They were unarmed. They were vulnerable. This is not an isolated incident. Silence will kill us. We are raising our voices because our lives matter and Utonkon matters,” he said.

Onwe called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and urged both the federal and Benue State governments to act swiftly. He also appealed to the international community, civil society groups, human rights organizations, and religious bodies for support.

Chairman of Ado LGA, Sunday Oche, confirmed the abduction and labeled it regrettable, noting that security agencies were immediately mobilized.

“The incident is true. That is what we have been battling with. Once we received the sad news, I mobilized all the security agencies, and we are working seriously to ensure the victims are rescued,” he said.

Oche advised residents to avoid holding unprotected nighttime events, stressing that activities such as weddings, burials, or festivals should involve security personnel and ideally end before 9 p.m. He also urged caution against premature accusations, adding that investigators are following credible leads.

Benue State Police spokesperson DSP Edet Udeme confirmed the incident and said authorities are still gathering details, promising updates as more information becomes available.