Relief swept through Benue like the first rain after a long drought as police confirmed the safe return of nine Catholic faithful abducted during a night vigil in Ado Local Government Area.
The worshippers, taken from St. John Catholic Church, Ojeji, on February 8 while deep in prayer, have now regained their freedom—unhurt and without conditions attached.
Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Edet Udeme, broke the news on Sunday in Makurdi, declaring that all nine victims were released safely and unconditionally.
The breakthrough did not fall from the sky. It came on the heels of swift police action. On February 11, operatives acting on credible intelligence swooped in and arrested two suspects—Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim—allegedly linked to the abduction. The duo were reportedly caught with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a discovery that tightened the noose around the syndicate.
In keeping with standard procedure, the suspects were handed over to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for deeper investigation.
“Acting swiftly on follow-up intelligence, the IRT, in a joint operation with tactical teams of the Benue State Police Command, raided the hideout of Ashiru Ibrahim on 14th February, 2026.
“The operation led to the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle and eight (8) rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, as well as the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“Investigations so far have clearly established that the arrested suspects are directly linked to the abduction that occurred during the night vigil at St John Catholic Church.
“As a result of sustained pressure mounted through coordinated search-and-rescue operations across the Ado axis and adjoining communities, the kidnapped victims were successfully released unhurt,” she said.
With the hostages freed, security agencies are not resting on their oars. Udeme disclosed that efforts have been intensified to hunt down other fleeing members of the criminal ring. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) are currently digging deeper to unravel the full web of the operation.
In a decisive escalation, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance, complemented by additional tactical teams drafted into the state. The aim, according to the command, is clear: tighten the security net, deepen intelligence-driven operations, and leave no breathing space for criminal elements.
The police also extended appreciation to the Benue State Government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese—who championed a non-kinetic strategy—the Chairman of Ado LGA, and sister security agencies including the Nigerian Army and the Benue Civil Protection Guard for standing shoulder to shoulder throughout the ordeal.
“This 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,” she said.
Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has meanwhile reassured residents that the command remains battle-ready—fully mobilised, strategically positioned, and unwavering in its resolve to keep Benue safe from the claws of criminality.
