Gunmen have abducted nine worshippers during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, triggering panic among residents and renewed concerns over rural insecurity.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at about 2 a.m., when the attackers reportedly stormed the church premises and whisked away the victims, said to be mostly women and youths, while prayers were ongoing as part of a 30-day vigil programme.

Community sources said the attack has thrown the area into fear, with many residents now reluctant to attend night gatherings, while farming and trading activities have also been affected.

Reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, Mr. Jude Onwe, described the abduction as another troubling sign of worsening insecurity in the area.

“Our people were in the church praying when they were taken. They were unarmed and vulnerable. This is not an isolated case. We cannot continue to keep quiet while our communities come under repeated attacks,” he said, calling for urgent intervention by both federal and state authorities.

Onwe appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and urged civil society groups and religious bodies to lend their voices and support toward securing the victims’ release.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Mr. Sunday Oche, said the council had mobilised security operatives immediately after receiving the report.

“The abduction is confirmed. We are working closely with security agencies to ensure the victims are rescued. Operations are ongoing based on available intelligence,” he said.

Oche advised residents to avoid organising late-night events without adequate security presence, warning that such gatherings increase vulnerability to attacks.

“Any night programme — whether social or religious — should involve security agencies and should end early to reduce risk,” he added, while cautioning against premature accusations as investigations continue.

The spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Edet Udeme, also confirmed the abduction and said further details would be made available after preliminary findings. She assured that efforts were underway to track the perpetrators and secure the safe return of the victims.