Monday, March, 23 2026 - A court has convicted and sentenced nine out of ten suspects linked to the abduction of worshippers at St. John Catholic Church in Ojije community, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
The nine victims were kidnapped during a vigil on Sunday,
February 8, 2026.
Acting on credible intelligence, authorities launched coordinated
operations that led to the safe rescue of all the victims.
Initial operations were led by the Police Intelligence Response Team,
which arrested four suspects and recovered AK-47 rifles along with
ammunition.
Subsequent investigations led to further arrests, bringing the total
number of suspects to ten.
Among those apprehended were Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, whose
arrests provided crucial leads that aided in dismantling the criminal network
behind the abduction.
Following their arraignment, nine of the suspects were convicted and
sentenced to varying prison terms, while one suspect is still awaiting trial.
Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Engr. Sunny Oche, confirmed the
sentencing in a statement issued on Saturday, March 21, by his spokesperson,
Aluma Moses.
Oche commended the efforts of security agencies, including the police,
Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante groups for their
coordinated response.
He also praised Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Inspector General of Police,
and Deputy Governor Sam Odeh for their roles in ensuring justice was served.
Oche noted that the outcome reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding
lives and restoring public confidence.
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