Gunmen Attack Catholic Church in Benue, Abduct Nine Worshippers!

Gunmen Attack Catholic Church in Benue, Abduct Nine Worshippers!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

In a disturbing escalation of insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, gunmen have abducted nine worshippers during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije community, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State.
According to eyewitness accounts and official confirmations, the attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, while parishioners were participating in a 30-day prayer vigil inside the church.
The victims, described as mostly women and youths, were forcefully seized by the armed assailants and taken to an unknown destination, throwing the church congregation and the entire community into panic.
Local leaders said the attackers stormed the church premises without warning, disrupting the solemn vigil and overpowering the unarmed worshippers.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction, stating that tactical units and local vigilante groups have been deployed to track down the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet disclosed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate mobilisation of all available tactical teams to pursue the abductors.
Community leaders have condemned the incident, describing it as a grave violation of a place of worship, while urging the government to urgently address the worsening insecurity affecting rural communities in Benue State.
The attack adds to a growing pattern of violent assaults on civilians and religious institutions across Nigeria, heightening concerns over public safety.
As of the time of filing this report, rescue efforts are ongoing.

Citation:
1.Punch Newspapers https://punchng.com/bandits-abduct-nine-worshipers-in-benue/

2.The Authority News https://authorityngr.com/2026/02/09/police-confirm-kidnap-of-9-worshippers-in-benue-church/

3.Channels Television https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/09/gunmen-abduct-nine-catholic-church-worshippers-in-benue

4.Premium Times Nigeria https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/855529-terrorists-abduct-nine-worshippers-in-benue-days-after-deadly-kwande-attacks.html

5.Vanguard News https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/9-worshippers-abducted-during-vigil-in-benue-catholic-church/

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

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Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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