Gunmen have abducted nine worshippers from Saint John’s Catholic Church in the Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area in Benue State. This alarming incident took place during a church vigil, leaving the community in shock and fear. Emmanuel Udah, a former councillor for the Ukwuenyo Ward, confirmed the abduction, labeling it a planned attack on innocent worshippers during a sacred gathering.
The church, often regarded as a place of peace and refuge, turned into a site of vulnerability as worshippers were taken under the cover of darkness. Udah expressed the community’s trauma, noting that the attack highlights a growing pattern of insecurity affecting rural areas in Benue. The fear experienced by residents has left them feeling increasingly unsafe in their own homes.
In response to the incident, Udah has called for immediate action from the authorities to enhance security in the region. He emphasized that the local population cannot continue to live in fear, and it is crucial for the government to prioritize their safety. The sense of abandonment felt by Utonkon residents, echoed in their cries for help, underscores the urgent need for intervention.
Furthermore, the former councillor urged religious organizations, civil society groups, and the international community to stand in solidarity with those affected. He emphasized that it is not mere sympathy they seek, but tangible support and justice for the victims of these growing attacks. “Let the world know that Utonkon matters,” he stated, reflecting a desperate plea for recognition and assistance.
The Benue State Police Command, represented by spokesperson Udeme Edet, confirmed the abduction and announced that tactical units are working alongside local vigilantes to locate the victims. They are determined to track down the assailants and ensure justice is served. The community awaits urgent action and support to restore their sense of safety and security.
