Police Arrest Four Suspects Over Abduction of Nine Worshippers in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the abduction of nine worshippers at St. John Catholic Church, Ojije, Utonkon, in Ado Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that security operatives have intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network.

Edet stated that the Criminal Investigation Department and the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) are conducting comprehensive investigations to ensure all those connected to the crime are brought to justice.

She explained that two suspects were initially arrested, while further operations led to the arrest of two additional persons on February 14.

According to the statement, operatives from the Ado Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim on February 11 in connection with the kidnapping incident. The suspects were found in possession of five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and were subsequently handed over to the IRT for further investigation.

The command spokesperson further narrated that the IRT, in a joint operation with tactical teams from the Benue State Police Command, raided the hideout of Ashiru Ibrahim on February 14.

The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. It also resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate.

Edet noted that investigations have clearly established the involvement of the arrested suspects in the abduction that occurred during the night vigil.

She added that sustained pressure from coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities led to the successful release of the kidnapped victims unharmed.

The statement also revealed that the Inspector General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and operations, alongside additional tactical teams to the state.

“This proactive deployment is aimed at strengthening security dominance, improving intelligence-led operations, and denying criminal elements any operational space within the state,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, appreciated the collective support received during the operation from the state government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese, which championed the non-kinetic approach, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, and sister security agencies including the Nigerian Army and the Benue Civil Protection Guard.

According to the CP, the unified approach greatly contributed to the successful rescue of the victims and underscores the strength of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding lives and property in Benue State.

Emenari reassured residents that the command remains fully mobilized, strategically positioned, and resolute in its determination to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, cultism, and all forms of violent crime across the state.

The nine worshippers were abducted in the early hours of Sunday during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, Utonkon, Ado LGA.