Nine Worshippers Abducted During Vigil at Benue Church

At least nine worshippers have been abducted by suspected armed bandits during a night vigil at a Catholic church in Benue State, Global Mirror News has gathered.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at St. John’s Catholic Church, located in Ojije community, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area.

The victims were attending an ongoing 30-day prayer vigil when gunmen reportedly stormed the church premises at about 2:00 a.m.

According to local sources who spoke with Global Mirror News, the attackers arrived under the cover of darkness, firing sporadic shots to scare worshippers before forcefully whisking away nine congregants.

The abducted victims are said to include women and youths, while others managed to escape into nearby bushes.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, Jude Onwe, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the area.

He noted that community leaders had earlier advised churches and event organizers to notify security agencies before holding night programmes, especially in vulnerable rural communities.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction. Police authorities disclosed that tactical and intelligence teams have been deployed to the area to track the kidnappers and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

Security patrols have also been intensified around neighbouring communities to prevent further attacks.

Residents of Ojije and surrounding villages have described the incident as frightening, calling on the state and federal governments to urgently strengthen security across rural parts of Benue State, which has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in recent months.

Global Mirror News gathered that investigations are ongoing as security agencies work with community leaders to locate the abducted worshippers.