Sunday, July 19, 2026

Terrorists abduct nine worshippers during church vigil in Benue

This comes a few days after terrorists killed over 170 people in Kwara. 

• February 9, 2026
Terrorists
Terrorists (Photo Credit: ICIR Nigeria)

The Benue State police command has confirmed the abduction of nine worshippers at Saint John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in the Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Sunday night while attending a vigil on the church premises, as gunmen stormed the area and whisked them away.

Udeme Edet, the police spokesperson for the Benue police command, confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday, saying the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, had deployed tactical units to rescue the abducted worshippers.

According to Ms Edet, security operatives are working alongside local vigilantes to track down the perpetrators and secure the victims’ release.

“The police are on the trail of the perpetrators of the attack,” she said.

This comes a few days after terrorists invaded Woro Community in Kaima Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing over 170 people and torching many properties.

In November, President Donald Trump declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern of the alleged killings of Christians in the country. 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang

States

Mutfwang hails Tinubu for approving dualisation of Plateau-Taraba road

Mr Mutfwang particularly thanked Mr Yilwatda for his strategic engagement and commitment to the development of Plateau State at all times.

Peter Obi

NationWide

Obi thanks God @65, donates ₦10 million to rural hospital in Anambra community

Mr Obi expressed gratitude to God and renewed commitment to the service of humanity.

Triumphant Spain

Heading 3

Spain lift 2026 World Cup after beating Messi’s Argentina

The defeat meant that Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates failed to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles in 64 years.

Map of Kano State

States

Fire service rescues man trapped under collapsed Kano wall

The PRO said that the victim was rescued alive and conveyed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano State.

Alake of Egbaland endorses PDP candidate Adebutu

Heading 1

Alake of Egbaland endorses PDP candidate Adebutu for 2027 Ogun governorship race

Mr Adebutu accused successive administrations of denying local governments the financial independence needed to drive development.