The Benue State Government has confirmed the rescue of nine worshippers abducted during a midnight prayer session at Saint John Catholic Church in the Ojije area of Utonkon community, Ado Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, Governor Hyacinth Alia praised security operatives for what he described as a swift and coordinated response that led to the victims’ safe recovery.
The governor characterized the operation as a “significant breakthrough” in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the state. He assured residents that security agencies, in partnership with local vigilante groups, would intensify operations to curb kidnapping and prevent further attacks.
Alia also urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to tracking down criminal elements.
In response to the abduction and a series of attacks across Benue South, the governor convened a high-level security meeting on February 13, 2026, at the Palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo.
The meeting brought together the Idoma Traditional Council and senior security officials, where he issued a directive for the immediate rescue of the victims and reinforced measures to restore calm in the affected areas.
The worshippers were abducted by gunmen during a church vigil last Sunday, an incident that sent shockwaves through the community.
A former councillor representing Ukwuenyo Ward, Emmanuel Udah, described the attack as “a targeted and planned crime against the Church,” noting that residents were left traumatised and fearful. He called for stronger security presence, warning that repeated incidents have deepened feelings of vulnerability among locals.
Earlier, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Udeme Edet, confirmed that nine worshippers had been taken.
She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, promptly deployed tactical teams in collaboration with local vigilantes to pursue the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
Police authorities added that investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The successful rescue has provided a measure of relief to the community, even as authorities intensify operations to ensure lasting security across the state.
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