Nine Worshippers Rescued After Abduction in Benue

Nine worshippers who were abducted during a midnight prayer session at Saint John Catholic Church in the Ojij area of Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area, have regained their freedom. The Benue State Governor, Solomon Iorpev, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Saturday, commending the swift response of security operations and describing the rescue as a significant breakthrough.

However, the statement did not provide details on the perpetrators or whether any arrests were made. The circumstances surrounding the rescue remain unclear.

The abduction, which occurred during a church vigil last Sunday, sparked fear in the community, with reports indicating that the victims included women and youth, as well as former councillor Emmanuel Udah. The abductors reportedly contacted the victims' families on Wednesday, demanding a ransom of 100 million naira, which was later negotiated down to 30 million naira.

The state government has not clarified whether any ransom payment was made. Following the abduction, the governor convened a high-level security meeting on February 13, 2026, at the Och Idoma Palace in Otukpo to address the situation.