Fear and uncertainty in Ojije as gunmen slash ransom for nine abducted Benue worshippers from N100million to N30m

By James Ike

Panic and anxiety have enveloped Ojije community in Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, as kidnappers of nine members of St. John’s Catholic Church have begun ransom negotiations with their families.

The victims were abducted in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026, when armed men invaded the church during a night vigil.

The attackers reportedly stormed the premises at about 2am, taking away women, youths, and other worshippers who had gathered for prayers.

A relative of one of the captives, who spoke anonymously on behalf of the families, revealed that the abductors reached out on Wednesday to demand ransom.

According to him, the kidnappers initially asked for N100 million but later reduced the amount to N30 million.

“The demand was first N100 million, but it has now been reduced to N30 million. We are doing everything possible to raise the money,” the source said.

He explained that the families are struggling to mobilize the huge sum within a short period and have begun reaching out to friends, relatives, and well-meaning Nigerians for support.

“This burden is too heavy for the families alone. We are appealing to individuals, corporate bodies, and civil society organisations to help us secure the release of our loved ones,” he added.

The families also expressed frustration over what they described as limited progress in rescue efforts, despite the presence of security operatives in the area.

“Security personnel are in the community, but so far there has been no success in rescuing the victims or arresting the perpetrators,” the source lamented.

Community members have called on the state and federal governments to strengthen security operations, particularly by intensifying surveillance and search efforts in nearby forests suspected to be hideouts for the gunmen.

“We urge the government to deploy more personnel to comb the forests and ensure that the victims are rescued safely,” he said.

In a show of solidarity, the Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South District, Dr. Abba Moro, visited Ojije on Thursday to commiserate with the families.

Represented by Chief George Alli, Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Moro described the incident as heartbreaking and assured the community of his commitment to supporting efforts aimed at securing the release of the abductees.

He further urged security agencies to intensify operations to ensure the safe and unconditional rescue of the victims and bring the culprits to justice.

Speaking separately, the Youth Leader of the community, Mr. Ogbu Ejeh; the Clan Head of Ojije, Chief Ideva Ajor; and the Church Leader thanked the senator for the visit and appealed for sustained intervention to restore peace and prevent future attacks.

Those abducted during the church vigil were identified as, Orji Victoria, Orji Philip, Ejali Godwin, Peter Enwe, Ikeh Janet, Echi Victoria, Ejali Mary, Agbo Victoria, and Unogwu Victoria.