Again, Church Worshippers Abducted by Gunmen in Benue State

At least nine people were abducted in the early hours of Sunday after suspected armed men attacked a church vigil in Benue State, local sources have reported.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije community, Utonkon district of Ado Local Government Area, where worshippers had gathered for an overnight vigil as part of a 30-day prayer programme. According to residents, the attackers entered the church premises while the vigil was ongoing, forced several worshippers into waiting vehicles, and fled into nearby bushland.

Community leaders and local government officials confirmed the abduction on Monday, saying the victims included women and youths who were attending the vigil. Local council officials noted that organisers of night gatherings had previously been advised to coordinate with security agencies, a step they said was not taken for the event, making it easier for the attackers to strike.

Following the incident, security forces, including police and other tactical units, were deployed to the area to begin search and rescue operations.

The abduction adds to ongoing concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State and other regions of Nigeria, where cases of kidnapping and armed attacks have continued to affect local communities.