Terrorists have abducted nine worshippers from Saint John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in the Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, during a night vigil.
The worshippers were reportedly seized on Sunday night while praying within the church premises, triggering fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in rural Benue communities.
Confirming the incident, Emmanuel Udah, a former councillor who represented Ukwuenyo Ward in the Ado local government legislative council, described the abduction as a deliberate and targeted attack on the Church.
“This was a planned crime against innocent worshippers at their most sacred place — a place of peace, prayer and refuge,” Udah said in a telephone interview. “They were vulnerable, unarmed and simply worshipping when they were taken.”
Udah said residents of Utonkon are deeply traumatised and increasingly fearful, noting that many no longer feel safe in their homes, farms, markets or places of worship.
According to him, the incident reflects a broader pattern of insecurity that has continued to plague rural communities across Benue State, despite repeated appeals to authorities.
“The people of Utonkon are living in fear. Families are broken, children are traumatised, and farmers, traders and worshippers are trapped in constant anxiety,” he said. “This is not an isolated case. Silence will kill us all.”
The former councillor called on federal and state authorities to urgently strengthen security in the area and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted worshippers.
He also urged the Catholic Church, civil society groups and the international community to speak out against what he described as the persecution of vulnerable communities.
“We are not asking for sympathy alone. We are asking for attention, protection and justice. Let the world know that Utonkon matters,” Udah added.
Confirming the abduction, Udeme Edet, spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, said nine worshippers were indeed taken by the gunmen.
She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has deployed tactical police units in collaboration with local vigilantes to track the abductors.
“The police are on the trail of the perpetrators and efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims,” Edet said.
