Freedom At Last: Nine Abducted Benue Worshippers Return Home

Nine worshippers abducted during a midnight prayer at Saint John Catholic Church in the Ojije area of Utonkon community, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State have been rescued, according to Ireporter Online.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, praised security operatives for their swift response, describing the rescue as a “significant breakthrough.” He commended the collaboration between conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups that ensured the safe return of the victims.

The identities of the abductors, whether arrests have been made, or the exact circumstances surrounding the rescue were not disclosed by the government. Alia assured residents that security agencies and vigilante groups would continue to work together to prevent future kidnappings, urging the public to provide timely information to aid investigations.

The victims, including women and youths, were taken around 2 a.m. during a church vigil last Sunday, sparking fear across the community. Former councillor Emmanuel Udah described the incident as a “targeted and planned crime against the Church,” noting that residents remain traumatized and fearful. He called on authorities to strengthen security and address recurring attacks, warning that many communities feel abandoned.

The Nigeria Police Force in the state, through spokesperson Udeme Edet, had previously confirmed the abduction. The kidnappers reportedly contacted families on Wednesday demanding a ₦100 million ransom, which was later negotiated to ₦30 million, according to an anonymous family member. The government did not clarify whether any payment was made prior to the victims’ release.

Following the abduction and other recent attacks in Benue South, Governor Alia convened a high-level security meeting on February 13, 2026, at the palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo. The meeting, which included the Idoma Traditional Council and senior security officials, issued directives for the immediate rescue of the victims and reinforced security measures across affected communities.