At least nine worshippers have been kidnapped by suspected bandits during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday while the church was observing a vigil as part of an ongoing 30-day spiritual programme.
Local sources said the attackers stormed the church and whisked away the victims, who included women and young people, causing panic within the community.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, Jude Onwe, confirmed the development, noting that the worshippers were taken during the early hours of the vigil.
The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunday Oche, also verified the abduction and expressed concern that organisers of the vigil did not notify security agencies beforehand, despite repeated warnings.
He said security operatives had been mobilised to respond to the situation and urged residents to always involve law enforcement in night-time gatherings.
According to him, communities have been advised to inform the police whenever activities such as vigils, weddings, burials, or festivals extend beyond 9 pm., stressing that failure to do so exposes participants to danger.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said tactical teams had been deployed to the area and efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted worshippers.
The abduction adds to growing security concerns in Benue State, which has witnessed a series of violent attacks in recent times, including the June 2025 Yelwata massacre that claimed about 200 lives and drew widespread condemnation.
