In a chilling reminder of the escalating violence in Benue State, at least nine worshippers were abducted on Sunday during a church vigil in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has sparked outrage and renewed fears of insecurity in the region.
Details of the Incident
The abduction took place around 2:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church, where worshippers were attending a 30-day vigil program. Local sources, speaking to PUNCH Metro on Monday, revealed that the suspected bandits stormed the church premises, targeting at least nine individuals—women and youths among them. The victims remain missing, and no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Reactions From Local Leaders
The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, Comrade Jude Onwe, confirmed the incident, stating, “Around 2 a.m., nine worshippers, including women and youths, were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church while they were at the vigil.”
Chairman of Ado LGA, Sunday Oche, lamented the church’s failure to heed prior warnings about the need for security protocols. “We had advised them to involve security operatives, but they disregarded the advice. This tragedy is a consequence of that oversight,” he said. His comments have raised questions about the responsibility of religious institutions in ensuring the safety of congregants in conflict-prone areas.
Context of Growing Violence
This abduction is part of a troubling pattern of violence in Benue State, which has seen a surge in attacks across the region. The most infamous example is the June 2025 massacre in Yelwata, where approximately 200 lives were lost, drawing condemnation at both national and international levels. While the exact causes of the current violence in Ojije remain unclear, experts point to factors such as resource competition, ethnic tensions, and weak governance as underlying contributors.
Implications for Community Safety
The incident underscores the vulnerability of religious institutions and civilians in areas with limited security infrastructure. Churches, often gathering points for communities, are increasingly becoming targets. The failure to coordinate with security forces, as highlighted by the LGA Chairman, raises urgent concerns about the need for proactive measures to protect citizens.
Conclusion
The abduction at St. John’s Catholic Church is a grim testament to the worsening insecurity in Benue State. While authorities grapple with the aftermath, the incident serves as a call to action for both local leaders and security agencies to collaborate with religious institutions in safeguarding communities. Until systemic solutions are found, the people of Benue remain in the shadow of a crisis that demands immediate and coordinated responses.
