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Nine Abducted During Vigil at Benue Church

Published

9 months ago

February 10, 2026

Q Tinny

At least nine worshipers abducted during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Benue. Security forces are pursuing the suspects in ongoing rescue efforts

At least nine worshipers were abducted on Sunday by suspected bandits during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area.

Also read: Army rescues abducted cleric in Enugu after swift operation

Local sources said the attack occurred around 2 a.m., during a 30-day vigil programme.

The victims included women and youths, according to Comrade Jude Onwe, National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association in the LGA.

Chairman of Ado LGA, Sunday Oche, confirmed the incident, lamenting that the church did not involve security operatives despite prior advice.

“Our concern is that people refuse to adhere to advice to involve the police whenever a night activity goes past 9 p.m.,” he said.

The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Udeme Edet, said tactical teams had been deployed to the area to rescue the worshipers. “Security personnel are on the trail of the abductors, and efforts to rescue the worshippers are ongoing,” he added.

Also read: Ondo APC Chieftain Abducted in Ilaje, Police Launch Probe

The latest abduction highlights growing insecurity in Benue State, which has faced multiple violent attacks, including the June 2025 massacre in Yelwata that claimed about 200 lives and drew national and international condemnation.

Related Topics:Ado LGA banditry in Benue Benue church abduction featured Nigeria insecurity St. John’s Catholic Church

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Sanwo-Olu Surprises Wife Ibijoke With Flowers at Women’s Conference

Published

9 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Sanwo-Olu surprises wife Ibijoke with flowers and shares a kiss at COWLSO’s 26th Annual National Women’s Conference in Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu surprised his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, with flowers before sharing a kiss with her at the opening ceremony of the 26th Annual National Women’s Conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

Also read: 37 Miners’ Deaths: Panel Finds Fatal Asphyxiation in NSCDC Custody

The event was organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) under the theme, “Anchored in Purpose: Be the Blueprint.”

Sanwo-Olu presented the flowers to his wife during his speech at the conference, which brings together women and leaders for discussions and activities focused on women’s empowerment and leadership.

“On behalf of COWLSO and everything that is decent, we want to appreciate you, we want to honour you,” the governor said.

The couple subsequently shared a kiss as Nigerian singer 2Baba’s song, “African Queen”, played at the event.

The conference aims to inspire women, empower leaders and promote a purposeful future through discussions and activities centred on women’s development.