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Nine worshippers were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District, Ado Local Government Area, on February 7, 2026, in an attack that has left residents terrified.
Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Hon. Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, has expressed deep grief over the incident and urged urgent action from local security authorities.
In a statement released by Agbaji Samuel Atsonwu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Danladi described the abduction as a “serious affront to peace, faith, and the collective conscience of Ado LGA.”
She stated that attacks on places of worship, traditionally safe havens for communities, are particularly alarming.
She also added that the fear now gripping Utonkon and neighbouring areas, noting that families remain traumatized, economic activities disrupted, and daily life uncertain.
The Deputy Speaker warned that the incident reflects the broader insecurity challenges facing communities in Ado LGA and cautioned that failure to act swiftly could escalate the situation into a more serious crisis.
Chief Danladi called on the Chief Security Officer of Ado LGA to take immediate, visible, and coordinated steps to support rescue operations, reassure residents, and prevent further attacks.
She also urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, particularly around vulnerable locations such as churches.
The Deputy Speaker appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and community stakeholders to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and reject silence in the face of violence.
She said that the people of Ado LGA are not seeking sympathy alone, but decisive action, accountability, and lasting protection.
Benue Deputy Speaker condemns Utonkon church abduction, urges immediate security action
