The abductors of nine Catholic worshippers kidnapped during a night vigil in Ojije community, Utonkon, in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, have demanded N100 million for their release.
The victims were abducted in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026, when armed men stormed St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije at about 2:00 a.m.
The abducted worshippers were identified as Peter Enwe, Ikeh Janet, Echi Victoria, Ejali Mary, Agbo Victoria, Orji Philip, Ejali Godwin, Orji Victoria and Unogwu Victoria.
The assailants reportedly took away children, women and youths who had gathered for prayers.
A relative of one of the victims, who spoke anonymously on behalf of the affected families, said the kidnappers reached out on Wednesday to begin ransom negotiations.
According to the source, the abductors initially demanded N100 million for the nine captives but reduced the amount to N30 million by Thursday.
“That is the situation we have found ourselves in now. We are working hard to raise the money. We are soliciting assistance from friends and relatives,” he said.
He noted that the ransom demand has placed a severe financial strain on the families, who are struggling to mobilise funds within a short time to secure the safe return of their loved ones.
“We are also appealing to public-spirited individuals, corporate organisations and civil society groups to come to the aid of the victims,” he pleaded.
The families lamented that despite the presence of security personnel in the area, there has been no breakthrough in efforts to rescue the abducted worshippers.
“As I speak to you, security agencies deployed to the area are still in and around our community, but they have been unable to arrest the kidnappers or rescue our people,” he said.
Community members also urged the government to intensify security operations in nearby forests, which they believe are being used as hideouts by the abductors.
“We are calling on the government to deploy more security personnel to comb the forests in order to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” the source added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abba Moro, senate minority leader representing Benue South senatorial district, on Thursday visited Ojije community to sympathise with the families.
Represented by his senior legislative aide, Chief George Alli, Moro expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying he was devastated upon hearing the news.
He assured the community of efforts to secure the victims’ release and pledged not to abandon his constituents during their time of distress.
The senator also urged security agencies to intensify operations to ensure the unconditional rescue of the abductees and bring those responsible to justice.
