Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - Suspected bandits have abducted nine worshipers in Utonkon district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
The bandits stormed St. John’s Catholic Church at Ojije in
Utonkon district around 2 a.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development
Association in the LGA, Jude Onwe, said the abductors invaded the church while
the victims were attending a night vigil.
“Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, those women and youths—about nine
worshippers—were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije in Utonkon,
Ado LGA, while they were at night vigil,” he said.
The Chairman of the local government, Sunday Oche, who
confirmed the incident to Punch said the abduction occurred during
a night vigil in the early hours of Sunday.
According to him, the church was holding a 30-day vigil and
regretted that organisers ignored advice to involve security operatives during
night activities.
“That is what we have been battling with. We received the
sad news of the abduction, and I have mobilised all the security agencies, and
we are working seriously,” he said.
"We had earlier advised the people that whoever is
conducting any activity, especially at night, must involve security agents. If
people hold a program that has been going on for the past 30 days without
recourse to security agencies, then they are endangered.
"There was a similar incident where some people
attempted a kidnapping, but they were chased and rescued.
“We assure that the victims will be rescued. Our concern is
that people have refused to adhere to advice to constantly involve the police
whenever a night activity—be it marriage, burial, or festival—extends beyond 9
p.m."
Also confirming the incident, State Command spokesperson DSP
Udeme Edet said that security personnel have been deployed to the area.
“Tactical team already deployed to rescue the victims,” the
PPRO added.
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