Residents of Ojije community in Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, are in shock following the abduction of nine worshippers during a night vigil at a local church.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, with its Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, providing details to journalists. According to the police, the worshippers were attending prayers at St. John’s Catholic Church when they were seized by unknown assailants.
“This tragic incident took place during a night vigil at the church,” DSP Udeme said. “The Commissioner of Police has immediately ordered the deployment of all tactical units across the state to the affected area to secure the release of the victims.”
Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion and fear as the assailants, reportedly armed, stormed the church compound late at night. Many residents said they heard screams from the church before the attackers quickly disappeared into the surrounding bushes.
The police spokesperson assured residents that the command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property. “Measures have been put in place to ensure security throughout the state, and we urge residents to remain calm while we intensify efforts to rescue the kidnapped individuals,” Udeme added.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a serious security challenge in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria. Over the past few years, numerous communities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, have been targeted by armed groups seeking ransom payments from families and churches.
In recent times, churches have increasingly become targets for kidnappers. Night vigils, which are a common practice in Christian worship, have made congregants vulnerable, as services often extend late into the night, when security presence is limited.
According to local residents, the Ojije community has faced several security challenges in recent months. Some elders expressed concern that the attacks are often well-coordinated and may involve local informants who provide details about church events and worship schedules.
“This is very worrying,” said one resident who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We have never expected that coming to pray would put us in danger. These attackers are organized and know exactly when to strike.”
The Benue State Government has, in the past, worked closely with security agencies to address rising incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks. The state has deployed tactical squads and liaised with community-based vigilante groups to patrol vulnerable areas. However, residents say more needs to be done to prevent attacks that leave families traumatized.
In 2025, similar attacks on worshippers were reported in other parts of the state, highlighting a growing trend of targeting religious institutions. Analysts say these incidents not only threaten security but also disrupt religious activities and the sense of peace in communities.
The abduction at St. John’s Catholic Church comes amid broader concerns over insecurity in Nigeria, where kidnappings have surged for ransom, often involving sophisticated planning and firearms. Authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activities promptly.
Community leaders in Ojije have called on the government and security agencies to take immediate action to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers. “We are pleading for urgent intervention. These are innocent people who were gathered to pray, not to be attacked,” said Akume Tersoo, a local elder.
Families of the victims have reportedly gathered at the church and surrounding areas, anxiously awaiting news from the police. While no ransom demands have been made public, authorities are actively investigating the incident and following all leads to secure the release of the kidnapped members.
The Benue State Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information, and assist the authorities by providing any intelligence that could help locate the abductors.
“This is a coordinated effort,” DSP Udeme said. “Our tactical units are on the ground, and we are using every available resource to bring the victims back safely. We call on members of the public to cooperate and stay calm during this difficult time.”
The incident in Ojije community underscores the urgent need for stronger security frameworks around places of worship, particularly in rural areas where patrols are limited at night. Religious leaders across Nigeria have increasingly raised concerns about attacks on congregations, calling for coordinated government responses to protect worshippers.
For now, the fate of the nine abducted worshippers remains uncertain, and the community continues to live in fear. The Benue State Police Command has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
As the state grapples with the rising wave of kidnappings, residents hope that swift action by law enforcement will restore peace and prevent further attacks on innocent citizens gathered for worship.