Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has directed security agencies to step up efforts to rescue children abducted during a church service in Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area.
The directive was communicated by Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the palace of John Elaigwu Odogbo in Otukpo.
Details of the Abduction
The children were kidnapped by gunmen during a midnight prayer session at Saint John the Cross Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon. The abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million. Victims include six girls and three boys.
Deputy Governor Ode described the incident as unacceptable and called for a comprehensive security summit to review and strengthen the security architecture across Benue South Senatorial District.
Governor Alia visited the church to console the families, assuring them that the government is committed to securing the safe release of the children. “We share in your pain and urge you not to lose hope. Our security agencies are doing everything possible to rescue the children, and those responsible will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Security Measures and Community Response
The meeting brought together the Idoma Traditional Council and senior security officials to discuss strategies for restoring peace. The Och’Idoma expressed concern over rising insecurity and urged strict enforcement of the Benue State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Elishment Law of 2017 as part of long-term security measures.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Asuquo O.S., representing the Benue State Commissioner of Police, confirmed that the Inspector-General of Police had deployed a tactical team to the affected community to aid in the rescue operation.
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