The Benue State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the abduction of nine worshippers at St John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday during a night vigil at the church, an incident that sparked fear and anger among residents of the community.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command had intensified efforts to track down other fleeing members of the criminal network.
She confirmed that the victims had been rescued unhurt following coordinated operations involving multiple security agencies.
According to Edet, the breakthrough came on February 11, 2026, when operatives of the Ado Division acted on credible intelligence and arrested two suspects linked to the crime.
The suspects were identified as Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim. They were reportedly found in possession of five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition at the time of their arrest.
“In line with established investigative procedures, the suspects were handed over to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team for further investigation,” the statement said.
Further operations carried out on February 14 led to the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate.
The police said the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team, working jointly with tactical units of the Benue State Police Command, raided the hideout of one of the suspects.
During the raid, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Investigations so far, according to the police, have established that the four arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction at St John’s Catholic Church.
The nine worshippers were abducted during a night vigil at St John Catholic Church, a well-known place of worship in the area.
Night vigils are common in many Nigerian churches, where members gather for prayers, often from late evening into the early hours of the morning. Unfortunately, such gatherings have increasingly become targets for criminal attacks in some parts of the country.
Edet said that sustained pressure from coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and neighbouring communities forced the kidnappers to release the victims.
“As a result of sustained pressure mounted through coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities, the kidnapped victims were successfully released unhurt,” she stated.
The rescue was made possible through collaboration between the police and other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and local security groups.
To further strengthen security in the state, the Inspector General of Police approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and operations.
The deployment includes additional tactical teams to reinforce existing security personnel in Benue State.
According to the police, the move is aimed at improving intelligence gathering, strengthening patrol operations, and denying criminal elements space to operate.
Benue State has in recent years faced security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, and communal clashes. Many rural communities have been affected by attacks, leading to displacement and loss of lives.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the collective effort that led to the safe rescue of the victims.
He expressed appreciation to the Benue State Government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, and sister security agencies for their support during the operation.
According to the CP, the Catholic Diocese played a key role by encouraging a non-kinetic approach, which focuses on dialogue, intelligence sharing, and community cooperation rather than the use of excessive force.
Emenari also praised the Nigerian Army, the Benue Civil Protection Guard, and other stakeholders for their collaboration.
He said the unified approach contributed greatly to the success of the rescue mission and demonstrated the importance of inter-agency cooperation in protecting lives and property.
Kidnapping has become a major security issue in several parts of Nigeria over the past decade. Criminal groups often target schools, highways, farms, and places of worship, demanding ransom from victims’ families.
In Benue State, attacks by armed groups have been reported in different local government areas, leading to calls for stronger security measures.
Residents of Ado Local Government Area expressed relief at the release of the worshippers but urged authorities to do more to prevent future incidents.
Community leaders said improved patrols, intelligence gathering, and engagement with local youths would help reduce crime.
The Benue State Police Command assured residents that it remains fully mobilised and determined to tackle kidnapping, banditry, cultism, and other violent crimes.
The command said investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the syndicate who are still at large.
The police also urged residents to provide useful information that could help security agencies prevent future attacks.
For the nine worshippers and their families, the safe return is a moment of relief and gratitude. For the wider community, the incident is a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and cooperation with security agencies.
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