The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the abduction of nine worshippers at Ojije, in Utonkon district of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, confirmed the incident to ARISE News via telephone on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
DSP Udeme disclosed that armed bandits stormed St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026, and abducted nine members of the congregation.
The Police Command spokesperson added that security personnel have since been deployed to the area, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted worshippers and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunday Oche, who also confirmed the incident, said the church was observing a 30-day vigil and expressed regret that the organisers failed to heed advice to involve security operatives during night activities.