Gunmen have kidnapped nine worshippers from Saint John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were reportedly taken away on Sunday while observing a vigil within the church premises.
The incident was confirmed on Monday by Emmanuel Udah, a former councillor who represented Ukwuenyo Ward in the Ado Local Government legislative council.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Channels Television, Udah described the abduction as “a targeted and planned crime against the Church, when innocent worshippers were at the most sacred ground, a place of worship, a place for peace, and refuge, only to be abducted, while praying, vulnerable and unarmed”.
He said the attack has left residents deeply traumatised, noting that many no longer feel safe in the area.
Udah called on relevant authorities to strengthen security and halt the persistent attacks across Benue State.
He also lamented what he termed a growing sense of neglect by governments at all levels, despite repeated reports of similar incidents in communities across the state.
“The people of Utonkon are living in fear, families are broken, children are traumatised, farmers, traders, worshippers, are all trapped as no one feels safe anymore in our land.
“This incident is not isolated; it reflects a growing pattern of insecurity that rural communities in Benue State continue to endure in silence and neglect. We are raising our voices because silence will kill us all,” he said.
While appealing to the government to ensure the rescue of the nine abducted worshippers, Udah urged the Church and the international community to speak out in defence of those facing persecution.
“Religious bodies, civil society organizations, human-rights groups, and the international community should speak out and stand with us.
“We are not asking for sympathy alone. We are asking for attention, protection, and justice. Let the world know that Utonkon matters,” he added.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said nine worshippers were abducted.
She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has deployed tactical units in collaboration with local vigilantes to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims, adding that security operatives are on the trail of the perpetrators.