The Benue State Government has confirmed that nine worshippers kidnapped during a midnight prayer session at Saint John Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon community, Ado Local Government Area, have been rescued.
Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security personnel for their swift response in a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev.
Describing the development as a “significant breakthrough,” Alia assured residents that security agencies and local vigilante groups would continue to collaborate to curb kidnapping and prevent a recurrence.
He also urged members of the public to provide timely and useful information to support efforts to apprehend those responsible.
The governor had, on February 13, 2026, convened a high-level security meeting at the Palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo following the abduction and other attacks reported in Benue South.
Fear had gripped the community last Sunday when gunmen stormed the church during a vigil and abducted nine worshippers.
The incident was earlier confirmed by Emmanuel Udah, a former councillor for Ukwuenyo Ward, who described it as “a targeted and planned crime against the Church,” adding that residents were traumatised and increasingly fearful.
He warned that communities felt abandoned amid repeated attacks and called on authorities to strengthen security and decisively address the recurring violence.
The Benue State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, had also confirmed the abduction of the nine worshippers.
Edet said investigations were ongoing and disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, deployed tactical teams in collaboration with local vigilantes to track down the assailants and secure the victims’ release.
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