Gunmen have abducted nine worshippers from Saint John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, during a night vigil, heightening fears over worsening insecurity in the state.
The attack occurred on Sunday night while the vigil was ongoing, as armed men reportedly stormed the church premises and took the worshippers away, leaving residents traumatised and the community on edge.
A former councillor who represented Ukwuenyo Ward in the Ado Local Government Legislative Council, Emmanuel Udah, confirmed the incident on Monday.
Udah described the abduction as a devastating blow to a community already grappling with insecurity, noting that the attack shattered the sense of safety in the area.
He said the worshippers were abducted from a place regarded as a sanctuary for peace and refuge, adding that the incident had left families devastated and disrupted normal activities in the community.
According to him, fear of further attacks has spread across Utonkon and neighbouring areas, with residents now living in constant anxiety.
Udah called on security agencies to urgently reinforce security in the area and intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted worshippers. He also appealed to religious bodies and the international community to raise concern over the growing pattern of attacks on places of worship.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said nine worshippers were abducted during the attack.
She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, had deployed tactical teams in collaboration with local vigilantes to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
Edet added that security operatives were already pursuing the perpetrators as efforts continue to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
