Terrorists Demand N100m Ransom for Benue Church Abductees

Nine worshippers from St. John's Catholic Church in Ojij Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area, Benue, were abducted by terrorists while they were reportedly holding a night vigil on Sunday. The terrorists initially demanded a ransom of N100 million.

Family members of the abducted individuals spoke anonymously about the situation, revealing that the terrorists first contacted them on Wednesday. As negotiations progressed, the ransom demand was reduced to N30 million by Thursday morning.

Efforts to raise funds through friends and civil society groups are underway to assist in securing the release of the victims. Despite security operations being deployed in the area, the terrorists have not yet been apprehended, and the victims remain unreleased.

DSP Udem Edet, the police public relations officer for the state, did not respond to calls for comments. Sundai Och, the chairman, declined to comment on the ransom but assured that security agencies are working to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.