Nine Worshippers Abducted from Nigerian Church in Pre-Dawn Attack
Nine worshippers were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District, Ado Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, on February 7, 2026. The attack, which occurred during what is typically a secure timeframe for religious activities, has heightened fear and disrupted daily life in the community.
The Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Hon. Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, described the abduction as a “serious affront to peace, faith, and the collective conscience of Ado LGA.” In a statement issued by her Chief Press Secretary, Agbaji Samuel Atsonwu, she emphasized that attacks on places of worship are particularly alarming, as they violate sanctuaries traditionally considered safe havens.
Deputy Speaker Danladi noted that the incident has left families traumatized, economic activities stalled, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty across Utonkon and surrounding areas. She warned that the event reflects the broader and persistent insecurity challenges within Ado LGA, cautioning that a delayed or inadequate response could escalate the crisis.
Chief Danladi called for immediate, coordinated action from the Chief Security Officer of Ado LGA to support rescue operations and reassure residents. She urged security agencies to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, especially around vulnerable sites like churches. Additionally, she appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and other community stakeholders to maintain vigilance, cooperate with authorities, and reject silence in the face of violence.
The Deputy Speaker stated that the people of Ado LGA require not just sympathy but decisive action, accountability, and sustainable protection. The abduction underscores the critical need for robust security measures in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, where communities have frequently faced violence targeting both civilians and religious institutions. The incident has intensified local and state-level demands for an effective security strategy to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
