Nine children abducted from a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, have been released after one week in captivity, according to reports gathered by Media Talk Africa.
The victims were freed on Saturday evening, arriving in their community around 8 p.m. to a large gathering that erupted in celebration. Their release comes less than 24 hours after Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, publicly ordered the immediate release of the abductees.
According to the report, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million before later reducing the demand to N30 million. As of the time of publication, it could not be confirmed whether any ransom was paid prior to the children’s freedom. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the circumstances of the release or if any arrests were made.
The abduction occurred during a religious service, highlighting the persistent threat of mass kidnappings in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target schools, churches, and communities for ransom. This incident in Benue State drew widespread condemnation and urgent calls for security intervention from religious and community leaders.
With the children now safely back in their community, focus shifts to their physical and psychological recovery. The case also underscores ongoing security challenges in the region and the complex dynamics of ransom negotiations in kidnapping situations. Further details regarding the operation that secured their release are expected from state security agencies in the coming days.
