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The abductors of nine parishioners kidnapped from St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, have demanded an initial ransom of ₦100 million, Punch Metro has learnt.
The victims—comprising women and youths—were abducted around 2 a.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026, while participating in a night vigil at the church. The incident has deepened anxiety in the community already reeling from the attack.
A family member of one of the victims, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the kidnappers first made contact with relatives on Wednesday, February 11, demanding the sum of ₦100 million for the release of the nine individuals. During early Thursday negotiations, the abductors reportedly reduced their demand to ₦30 million.
“This is the situation we found ourselves in now. It was only yesterday (Wednesday) that they contacted us and demanded ₦100m,” the source disclosed. “After negotiation, they reduced the ransom to ₦30m, which is what we are now working hard to raise.”
The family member appealed for urgent assistance from friends, relatives, the wider public, public-spirited individuals, corporate organisations, and civil society groups to help raise the funds needed to secure the victims’ freedom. “We are also calling on the government to deploy more personnel to comb the forest and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the source added, noting that while security agencies have been deployed to the area, the kidnappers are yet to be apprehended and the victims rescued.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as her phone rang unanswered. The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunday Oche, declined to comment specifically on the ransom demand but assured that security personnel are actively working toward the safe rescue of the abducted worshippers.
The abduction has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges in parts of Benue State, where communities, including places of worship, continue to face threats from armed groups operating in rural and forested areas. The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, under Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, had earlier visited the parish to console the faithful and assured continued collaboration with security agencies to secure the victims’ release.
As families scramble to meet the reduced ransom demand and authorities intensify search operations, residents of Ojije and surrounding communities remain hopeful for the swift and safe return of their loved ones.
