No fewer than nine worshippers were abducted by suspected bandits in the early hours of Sunday during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in the Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
It was learnt on Monday that the attack occurred at about 2am while the church was observing a vigil as part of a 30-day spiritual programme.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association in the area, Comrade Jude Onwe, confirmed that the victims, comprising women and youths, were taken away by the assailants during the service.
“About 2am, suspected bandits stormed St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, and abducted nine worshippers who were participating in a night vigil,” Onwe said.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunday Oche, expressed regret over the abduction, noting that the church allegedly ignored earlier advice to involve security operatives during night activities.
He said all relevant security agencies had been mobilised to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
“That is what we have been battling with. We received the unfortunate report of the abduction and immediately mobilised security agencies.
Serious efforts are ongoing,” Oche stated.
The council boss urged residents to always notify security personnel ahead of night programmes, warning that failure to do so exposes people to danger.
“Our worry is that people often disregard advice to involve the police whenever any night activity, whether weddings, burials or religious programmes, goes beyond 9pm,” he added.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said tactical teams had been deployed to the area and were combing nearby locations in pursuit of the abductors.
“Security operatives are already on the trail of the criminals, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted worshippers unhurt,” Edet said.