At least nine worshippers have been abducted by suspected bandits during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State.

Local sources told PUNCH Metro on Monday that the attack occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, while the church was observing a vigil as part of a 30-day spiritual programme.

Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, Comrade Jude Onwe, said the abducted victims included women and youths.

“Around 2 a.m., nine worshippers, including women and youths, were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church while they were participating in a vigil,” Onwe stated.

The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunday Oche, described the incident as regrettable, noting that the church failed to involve security operatives despite repeated warnings.

“We received the sad news of the abduction and immediately mobilised all security agencies. We are working seriously to rescue the victims,” Oche said.

He urged residents to notify security agencies ahead of night activities, stressing that ignoring such advice exposes communities to attacks.

“Whether it is a marriage, burial, festival, or vigil that extends beyond 9 p.m., security personnel must be involved,” he added.

Reacting to the development, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Udeme Edet, confirmed that tactical teams have been deployed to the area.

“Security personnel are on the trail of the abductors, and efforts to rescue the worshippers are ongoing,” Edet said.

The abduction underscores the worsening security situation in Benue State, which has witnessed repeated violent attacks. Notably, the June 2025 massacre in Yelwata, where about 200 people were killed, drew widespread national and international condemnation.