Church Worshippers Abducted By Bandits In Benue

At least nine people who were taking part in a church vigil were abducted by suspected armed men in the early hours of Sunday in Utonkon district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

Naija News reports that the incident happened around 2 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, a community in Utonkon where members had gathered for a 30‑day series of prayer meetings.

According to residents, the assailants entered the church compound while the worshippers were still inside, and then forced the victims into waiting vehicles before driving off into nearby bushland.

Community leaders and local government officials confirmed the attack on Monday.

They explained that the group of women and youths were among those present for the overnight vigil when the suspected bandits struck.

Officials in the local council reported that advice had been given previously for organizers of night gatherings to work with security teams, but this guidance was not followed for the prayer event.

They said this made it easier for the attackers to carry out the abduction without being stopped.

Security forces, including police and other tactical units, were sent to the scene after the incident was reported.

Officers are searching the surrounding bush and rough terrain as they try to locate the abducted worshippers and bring them back safely.

At the time of the report, there was no confirmed information about the whereabouts of the victims or the identity of the attackers.

Residents in Utonkon described the atmosphere in the community as tense but continuing with normal daily activities.

The state government has been working with security agencies to respond to rising violence in parts of Benue, where attacks on villages and travellers have occurred in past months.