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Nine worshippers of St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, Utonkon, in Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, have regained their freedom following their abduction during a vigil on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, stated on Sunday, February 15, that four suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network.
Edet explained that the Criminal Investigation Department and the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) are conducting comprehensive investigations to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice. She added that the rescue was achieved through collaboration with sister security agencies.
According to the statement, two suspects—Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim—were initially arrested on February 11 after being found with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Further operations on February 14 led to the arrest of two additional suspects and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from Ibrahim’s hideout.
“The arrested suspects are directly linked to the night-vigil abduction at St. John’s Catholic Church,” the statement confirmed. “Sustained coordinated search-and-rescue operations across Ado and adjoining communities led to the safe release of all kidnapped victims.”
Edet noted that the Inspector General of Police approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and reinforced tactical teams to strengthen security, improve intelligence-led operations, and deny criminals operational space in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, expressed appreciation to the state government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, and sister security agencies—including the Nigerian Army and the Benue Civil Protection Guard—for their collective support.
He emphasized that the unified approach significantly contributed to the successful rescue and demonstrates the strength of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding lives and property. The CP reassured residents that the Command remains fully mobilized and determined to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, cultism, and all forms of violent crime in Benue State.
