At least nine worshipers were abducted on Sunday by suspected bandits in Utonkon district of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State.
Local sources who spoke to journalists on Monday said the bandits stormed St. John’s Catholic Church at Ojije in Utonkon district around 2 a.m.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association in the LGA, Jude Onwe, said the abductors invaded the church while the victims were attending a night vigil.
“Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, those women and youths—about nine worshippers—were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije in Utonkon, Ado LGA, while they were at night vigil,” he said.
Confirming the incident in a telephone interview on Monday, Chairman of the local government, Sunday Oche, said the abduction occurred during a night vigil in the early hours of Sunday.
He noted that the church was holding a 30-day vigil and regretted that organisers ignored advice to involve security operatives during night activities.
Oche said, “That is what we have been battling with. We received the sad news of the abduction, and I have mobilised all the security agencies, and we are working seriously.
“We had earlier advised the people that whoever is conducting any activity, especially at night, must involve security agents. If people hold a program that has been going on for the past 30 days without recourse to security agencies, then they are endangered.
“There was a similar incident where some people attempted a kidnapping, but they were chased and rescued.
“We assure that the victims will be rescued. Our concern is that people have refused to adhere to advice to constantly involve the police whenever a night activity—be it marriage, burial, or festival—extends beyond 9 p.m.”
While insisting that security agents were on the trail of the abductors, Oche said the situation in the community was normal, adding that the state government is managing the security challenges confronting the area.
Also confirming the incident, State Command spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said that security personnel have been deployed to the area.
Edet said, “Tactical team already deployed to rescue the victims.”
The latest incident highlights the resurgence of insecurity in the state following last year’s June massacre in Yelwata, which left about 200 people dead and drew national and international outcry.