Abductors of 9 worshippers in Benue demand N100m ransom

The abductors of 9 Catholic worshippers kidnapped throughout an evening vigil in Ojije neighborhood, Utonkon, in Ado Native Authorities Space of Benue State, have demanded N100 million for his or her launch.

The victims have been kidnapped within the early hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026, when armed males stormed St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije at about 2:00 a.m.

The kidnapped worshippers have been recognized 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 youngsters, ladies and youths who had gathered for prayers.

A relative of one of many victims, who spoke anonymously on behalf of the affected households, stated the abductors reached out on Wednesday to start ransom negotiations.

Based on the supply, the abductors initially demanded N100 million for the 9 captives however decreased the quantity to N30 million by Thursday.

“That’s the scenario we’ve discovered ourselves in now. We’re working laborious to lift the cash. We’re soliciting help from buddies and family,” he stated.

He famous that the ransom demand has positioned a extreme {financial} pressure on the households, who’re struggling to mobilise funds inside a short while to safe the protected return of their family members.

“We’re additionally interesting to public-spirited people, company organisations and civil society {groups} to return to the help of the victims,” he pleaded.

The households lamented that regardless of the presence of safety personnel within the space, there was no breakthrough in efforts to rescue the kidnapped worshippers.

“As I communicate to you, safety businesses deployed to the world are nonetheless in and round our neighborhood, however they’ve been unable to arrest the abductors or rescue our folks,” he stated.

Group members additionally urged the federal government to accentuate safety operations in close by forests, which they imagine are getting used as hideouts by the abductors.

“We’re calling on the federal government to deploy extra safety personnel to comb the forests so as to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” the supply added.

In the meantime, Dr. Abba Moro, senate minority chief representing Benue South senatorial district, on Thursday visited Ojije neighborhood to sympathise with the households.

Represented by his senior legislative aide, Chief George Alli, Moro expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying he was devastated upon listening to the information.

He assured the neighborhood of efforts to safe the victims’ launch and pledged to not abandon his constituents throughout their time of misery.

The senator additionally urged safety businesses to accentuate operations to make sure the unconditional rescue of the abductees and produce these accountable to justice.