Gunmen abduct nine from Benue church vigil

Gunmen have abducted nine worshippers from Saint John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in the Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, in a fresh attack that has heightened fears over worsening insecurity in the area.

The abduction occurred late on Sunday night while the victims were participating in a vigil on the church premises, according to local sources. The assailants were said to have stormed the area under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically to create panic before forcefully whisking the worshippers away to an unknown location.

The incident was confirmed on Monday by a former councillor who represented Ukwuenyo Ward in the Ado Local Government Legislative Council, Emmanuel Udah. He said the attack had thrown the community into shock, noting that residents were still grappling with the trauma of repeated security breaches in the district.

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Udah explained that the gunmen took advantage of the late-hour gathering, overpowering the worshippers who had little means of resistance. “They came while people were observing a vigil. Before anyone could raise an alarm or seek help, nine persons had already been taken,” he said.

Residents said the victims include men and women who had gathered for prayers, a common practice in the predominantly Christian community. Family members of those abducted were seen at the church premises on Monday morning, anxiously awaiting information about the fate of their loved ones.

The attack adds to a growing list of abductions and violent incidents in Ado Local Government Area and other parts of Benue State, which have in recent years suffered from armed attacks attributed to criminal gangs and armed groups. Communities in the southern part of the state have repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate security presence, particularly in rural areas.

Local sources said no contact had yet been established with the abductors as of Monday afternoon, and no ransom demand had been communicated. Security agencies were also yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

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A community leader lamented what he described as the increasing boldness of criminals targeting places of worship. “Churches are supposed to be sanctuaries. When gunmen can walk in and abduct people during prayers, it shows how vulnerable our communities have become,” he said.

The Benue State Police Command is yet to make a public statement on the incidence. However, residents said security operatives had been alerted and were expected to commence search and rescue operations in surrounding forests believed to be hideouts for kidnappers.

Meanwhile, members of Saint John’s Catholic Church have called for prayers for the safe release of the abducted worshippers, urging authorities to act swiftly to secure their freedom and restore confidence in the safety of the community.

Athekame Kenneth is a politics, economy, and finance reporter whose work is anchored in sharp investigative storytelling. He brings analytical depth to every piece, drawing on a strong academic foundation that includes a degree in Economics, an MBA in International Trade, and a minor in Petroleum Economics from Lagos State University, Ojo. His reporting blends rigorous research with a keen eye for hidden truths, delivering stories that illuminate power, policy, and the forces shaping everyday lives.

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