POLICE RESCUE NINE KIDNAPPED WORSHIPPERS IN BENUE, ARREST FOUR, RECOVER AK-47
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Nine worshippers abducted during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in the Ado Local Government Area of Benue State have been safely released following coordinated security operations in the region.
The victims, who were taken by armed men a week ago during a midnight prayer session, regained their freedom on Saturday evening after sustained pressure by security agencies.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday morning, the Benue State Police Command said the rescue was the result of a joint operation between the Command and other sister security agencies. The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, reaffirmed the Command’s “unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property” across the state.
According to the police, operatives of the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence on February 11, 2026, arrested two suspects, Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, who were found with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The suspects were handed over to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for further investigation.
Following up on additional intelligence, the IRT, in collaboration with tactical units of the Benue State Police Command, raided one suspect’s hideout on February 14, 2026. The operation resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two more suspects, believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate, were arrested.
The police confirmed that the suspects are directly linked to the abduction during the night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church. Sustained search-and-rescue efforts across Ado and neighboring communities pressured the criminal network, leading to the safe release of the nine worshippers unharmed.
The Command stated that efforts continue to apprehend other members of the syndicate, with the Criminal Investigation Department and IGP Intelligence Response Team conducting thorough investigations to ensure all involved are brought to justice. Additionally, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and extra tactical teams to support intelligence-led operations in Benue State.
Governor Hyacinth Alia praised security operatives for their “quick response and timely intervention” that led to the rescue. Through a statement by his Technical Adviser on Media, Chief Solomon Iorpev, the Governor commended the collaboration between conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups.
“Security is the foundation of development, and our administration will continue to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies, community leaders, traditional institutions, and local security outfits to ensure our communities live without fear,” the Governor said.
He also disclosed that on February 13, 2026, he convened a high-level security meeting at the Palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo, where a delegation led by his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, issued directives for the immediate release of the abducted victims.
The rescued worshippers—six females and three males—are now receiving care and support, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
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