A Benue State court has convicted and sentenced nine out of ten suspects involved in the abduction of worshippers at St. John Catholic Church, Ojije community, Ado Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were kidnapped during a night vigil service on Sunday, February 8, 2026, sending shockwaves through the community and raising fresh concerns about security in the state.
Swift Security Response Leads to Rescue
Acting on credible intelligence, security operatives launched a well-coordinated operation that resulted in the safe rescue of all nine kidnapped worshippers. The Police Intelligence Response Team spearheaded the initial operations, leading to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of AK-47 rifles along with ammunition.
Further investigations and intelligence gathering led to additional arrests, bringing the total number of suspects to ten. Key arrests included Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, whose capture provided crucial information that helped authorities dismantle the criminal network responsible for the abduction.
Justice Delivered as Nine Convicted
Following their arraignment before the court, nine of the ten suspects were found guilty and handed varying prison sentences, while one suspect remains in custody awaiting trial.
The Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Engr. Sunny Oche, confirmed the sentencing in a statement released on Saturday, March 21, through his spokesperson, Aluma Moses.
Commendations for Security Agencies
Engr. Oche praised the collaborative efforts of multiple security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante groups, whose coordinated response made the successful rescue and prosecution possible.
He also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Inspector General of Police, and Deputy Governor Sam Odeh for their commitment to ensuring that justice was served in the matter.
According to Oche, the swift conviction of the suspects demonstrates government’s strong commitment to protecting the lives of Benue residents and restoring public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
A Victory for Community Safety
The successful prosecution of these suspects sends a clear message to criminal elements that Benue State will not tolerate acts of terror against innocent citizens, particularly those gathered for worship.
This case highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency cooperation in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes that have plagued parts of the North Central region in recent years.
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