Suspected bandits have abducted at least nine worshippers during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident, which occurred around 2am on Sunday, happened while the church was observing a vigil as part of a 30-day spiritual programme, local sources said on Monday.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association in Ado LGA, Comrade Jude Onwe, confirmed that the victims included women and youths who were participating in the vigil when the attackers struck.
According to him, the assailants stormed the church premises in the early hours of the day and whisked away the worshippers to an unknown destination.
Confirming the attack, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunday Oche, expressed concern that security agencies were not alerted ahead of the night programme despite repeated warnings.
Oche said security operatives had since been mobilised to the area, stressing that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
He urged residents to always involve security agencies in any activity that extends late into the night, warning that failure to do so exposes people to avoidable danger.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said tactical teams had been deployed and were combing the area in pursuit of the abductors, assuring that efforts were underway to rescue the victims.