kidnapped Benue worshippers regain freedom

The nine abducted worshippers of St John Catholic Church, Ojeji, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State have regained freedom.

DSP Edet Udeme, Police Public Relations Officer in Benue, confirmed their release in a statement issued in Makurdi, on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the worshippers were kidnapped during a night vigil on 8th February.

Udeme said all the worshippers were released safely and unconditionally.

The command’s spokesperson said on February 11 that the command, while acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects, Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, in connection with the crime.

She revealed that the suspects were found in possession of five rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.

Udeme explained that in line with established investigative procedures, the suspects were handed over to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further investigation.

“Acting swiftly on follow-up intelligence, the IRT, in a joint operation with tactical teams of the Benue State Police Command, raided the hideout of Ashiru Ibrahim on 14th February, 2026.

“The operation led to the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle and eight (8) rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, as well as the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate.

“Investigations so far have clearly established that the arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction that occurred during the night vigil at St John Catholic Church.

“As a result of sustained pressure mounted through coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities, the kidnapped victims were successfully released unhurt,” she said.

Udeme said the command has intensified efforts to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network.

She said that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were currently conducting comprehensive investigations into the case.

Udeme said the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and operations, alongside the reinforcement of additional tactical teams to the State.

She explained that the deployment was aimed at strengthening security dominance, improving intelligence-led operations, and denying criminal elements any operational space within the state.

Udeme appreciated the collective support and cooperation received during the operation, particularly from the Benue Government and the leadership of the Catholic Diocese, who championed the non-kinetic approach.

She said they also appreciated the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area and the effective collaboration of sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Benue Civil Protection Guard and other security stakeholders.

“This unified approach greatly contributed to the successful rescue of the victims and underscores the strength of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding lives and property in Benue State,” she said.

She said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has reassured the people that the command remained fully mobilised, strategically positioned, and resolute in its determination to keep the state safe. (NAN)

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