Gunmen have abducted nine members of Saint John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on Sunday night while the worshippers were observing a vigil inside the church compound, according to community sources.
A former councillor for Ukwuenyo Ward, Emmanuel Udah, confirmed the abduction during a telephone interview on Monday.
Udah described the attack as deliberate, saying the victims were taken from a place meant for peace, safety, and prayer while they were unarmed and vulnerable.
He said residents of Utonkon are deeply shaken, adding that fear now dominates daily life within the community.
The former councillor called on security agencies to strengthen their presence and halt what he described as recurring violent attacks across Benue State.
Udah lamented what he termed government neglect, noting that repeated security incidents have left rural communities feeling abandoned.
He said families are traumatised, livelihoods disrupted, and residents trapped by constant fear, with no sense of protection.
According to him, the abduction reflects a broader pattern of insecurity affecting several rural areas in the state.
Udah urged the government to urgently secure the release of the abducted worshippers and prevent further attacks.
He also appealed to religious bodies, civil society groups, and the international community to speak out against persecution.
Confirming the incident, police spokesperson Udeme Edet said nine worshippers were abducted from the church.
She stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has deployed tactical teams alongside local vigilantes to pursue the attackers.
Edet added that security operatives are actively tracking the abductors in a bid to rescue the victims safely.
