Nine Abducted Worshippers Regains Freedom In Benue

The Benue State Government has confirmed the rescue of nine worshippers abducted during a midnight prayer session at Saint John Catholic Church in Ojije area of Utonkon community, Ado Local Government Area.

In a statement on Saturday, Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, commended security operatives for their swift response, describing the rescue as a “significant breakthrough.”

“The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has commended the security operatives in the state for their quick response and timely intervention leading to the rescue of the nine children who were kidnapped from Saint John Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon community in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State during a midnight prayer session.

“The Governor, who received the news of the rescue in high spirits, appreciated the effective collaboration between the conventional security and the local vigilante groups that ensured the safe return of the victims,” the statement read.

The government, however, did not provide details on the perpetrators, whether arrests had been made, or the exact circumstances surrounding the rescue.

Alia assured residents that security agencies and local vigilante groups would continue to work together to combat kidnapping and prevent future occurrences, while urging members of the public to provide timely information to help track criminals.

The victims were abducted during a church vigil last Sunday, sparking fear across the community.

They were reportedly taken around 2 a.m., with the group comprising women and youths.

A former councillor representing Ukwuenyo Ward, Emmanuel Udah, described the incident as “a targeted and planned crime against the Church,” noting that residents were traumatised and increasingly fearful.

He called on authorities to strengthen security and address recurring attacks, warning that many communities felt abandoned despite repeated incidents.

The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force in the state, Udeme Edet, had earlier confirmed the abduction, stating that nine worshippers were taken.

The abductors reportedly contacted families on Wednesday and demanded ₦100m as ransom.

According to a family member of one of the victims, who spoke anonymously, negotiations in the early hours of Thursday led to the ransom being reduced to ₦30 million.

The state government did not clarify whether any payment was made before the victims regained freedom.

Following the abduction and other attacks in Benue South, the governor convened a high-level security meeting on February 13, 2026, at the palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo.

The meeting brought together the Idoma Traditional Council and top security officials, where directives were issued for the immediate rescue of the victims and strengthened security operations across affected communities.