Benue Police rescue 9 abducted Church worshippers, arrest 4 suspects .Alia commends security agencies

By Benedicta Aboh

Relief swept through Utonkon community in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday evening as nine worshippers abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, regained their freedom after a week in captivity.

The victims were kidnapped during a night vigil by armed men suspected to be herdsmen militia, sparking outrage and fear across the area.

Their release followed coordinated operations by the Benue State Police Command in collaboration with sister security agencies, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.

The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, described the rescue as a product of sustained intelligence-led operations and inter-agency synergy.

“The Benue State Police Command working in synergy with sister security agencies wishes to reassure the good people of Benue State of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property,” the statement read.

Police disclosed that on February 11, 2026, operatives of the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects identified as Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim in connection with the church abduction.

The suspects were reportedly found in possession of five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition at the time of their arrest.
In line with investigative procedures, they were transferred to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further interrogation and coordinated action.

Acting on follow-up intelligence, the IRT, alongside tactical teams from the Benue State Police Command, carried out a raid on February 14 on the hideout of one of the suspects.

During the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate were also apprehended in the course of the raid.

Police authorities stated that investigations have “clearly established that the arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction that occurred during the night vigil at St. John Catholic Church.”

The Command explained that sustained search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and neighbouring communities mounted intense pressure on the criminal network, leading to the safe release of the victims.

It added that efforts have been intensified to track down other fleeing members of the gang, assuring that the Criminal Investigation Department and the IGP-IRT are continuing comprehensive investigations.

In a move to further bolster security in the state, the Inspector-General of Police approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance as well as additional tactical teams to Benue State.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, reaffirmed that the Command remains “fully mobilized, strategically positioned, and resolute in its determination to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, cultism and all forms of violent crime across the state.”

Reacting to the development, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended the security agencies for what he described as a swift and effective intervention, noting that the rescued victims, six girls and three boys, are currently receiving care and support, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.