Nine worshippers abducted during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, Utonkon in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, have regained their freedom following coordinated security operations in the area.
The victims, who were taken away by armed men a week ago during a midnight prayer session, were released on Saturday evening after sustained pressure mounted by security agencies.
Confirming the development in a statement issued Sunday morning, the Benue State Police Command said the rescue was achieved through a joint operation involving the Command and sister security agencies.
In the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the Command reassured residents of its “unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property” across the state.
According to the police, operatives of the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence on February 11, 2026, arrested two suspects identified as Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim in connection with the abduction. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The police said the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further investigation in line with established procedures.
Acting on follow-up intelligence, the IRT, in collaboration with tactical teams of the Benue State Police Command, raided the hideout of one of the suspects on February 14, 2026.
Th3 statement said the operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, while two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate were arrested.
“Investigations clearly established that the arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction that occurred during the night vigil at St. John Catholic Church,” the statement noted.
The Command added that sustained search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities mounted significant pressure on the criminal network, leading to the safe release of the victims unhurt.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, as the Criminal Investigation Department and the IGP Intelligence Response Team continue comprehensive investigations to ensure all those connected to the crime were brought to justice.
“In a further boost to security operations in the state, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and additional tactical teams to Benue State to strengthen intelligence-led operations and deny criminals operational space,” the Command said.
Reacting to the development, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security operatives for what he described as their “quick response and timely intervention” that led to the rescue of the nine victims.
In a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, the Governor praised the effective collaboration between conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups.
“Security is the foundation of development, and our administration will continue to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies, community leaders, traditional institutions and local security outfits to ensure that our communities live without fear,” the Governor stated.
He disclosed that he had earlier convened a high-level security meeting on February 13, 2026, at the Palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo, where, through a delegation led by his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, he issued marching orders for the immediate release of the abducted victims.
The rescued victims, comprising six females and three males, are currently receiving care and support, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
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