Benue Commends Security Agencies’ Swift Response in Church Kidnap Case
The Benue State Government has praised security operatives for their rapid response that resulted in the safe rescue of nine children abducted from Saint John Catholic Church during a midnight prayer session in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area.
The rescued children, including six girls and three boys, are receiving care and support following the operation.
The governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Mr Solomon Iorpev, said the governor welcomed the news of their release with high spirits and commended the collaboration between conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups, which ensured the children’s safe return.
The governor highlighted the importance of reinforcing partnerships with federal security agencies, community leaders, traditional institutions, and local security outfits to maintain peace, justice, and harmonious coexistence. Residents were urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Earlier, the governor convened a high-level security meeting with the Idoma Traditional Council and senior security officials in Otukpo, issuing directives for the immediate rescue of the kidnapped children.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the abduction. On February 11, 2026, operatives of the Ado Division apprehended two suspects, Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, who were found with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
They were handed over to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team for further investigation.
Following additional intelligence, a raid on February 14, 2026, at the hideout of one of the suspects led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, eight rounds of ammunition, and the arrest of two more suspects identified as key members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Police investigations have confirmed that all four suspects were directly involved in the church abduction.
Sustained search-and-rescue operations across Ado and neighbouring communities applied pressure on the criminal network, resulting in the unhurt release of the children.
Security agencies are continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate, with investigations ongoing by the Criminal Investigation Department and the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team.
