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Benue State Police have arrested an alleged insider from the local community believed to have facilitated the recent abduction of nine children from a Catholic church in Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area.
The breakthrough came after the nine children—abducted in a daring operation at the church premises—were safely released a few days ago following negotiations and intervention. Authorities revealed that investigations pointed to internal collaboration, with one community member suspected of providing critical information to the kidnappers that enabled the swift and targeted attack.
While the children have been reunited with their families, the revelation of possible local involvement has left residents of Utonkon in shock and disbelief. Many expressed deep concern over the breach of trust within the community, describing the development as particularly painful given the vulnerability of the victims and the sacred nature of the location.
Police sources confirmed that the arrested suspect is assisting investigators as efforts continue to apprehend all individuals involved in planning and executing the abduction. The Command reiterated its commitment to thorough investigation and bringing every perpetrator to justice, regardless of their position or relationship to the victims.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistent threat of child abductions in parts of Benue State and the sophisticated methods employed by criminal elements, including the possible exploitation of insider knowledge. Community leaders and religious authorities have called for heightened vigilance, stronger collaboration between security agencies and locals, and urgent measures to protect children and places of worship.
As the probe deepens, residents await further updates on the identities of other accomplices and the motive behind the kidnapping, which remains under active investigation by the Benue State Police Command.
