Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The kidnappers of nine worshippers in a Catholic church in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State have asked for the sum of N100 million to release their abductees.
Recall that on Saturday February 7, 2026, kidnappers stormed St John’s Catholic Church, Ojije in Utonkon, Ado LGA at about 2am and abducted children, women and youths while they were having a vigil in church.
A family member of one of the victims who spoke on behalf of all those kidnapped, said the kidnappers opened discussion with them yesterday (Wednesday) demanding for a ransom of N100 million.
He said as at today Thursday, February 12, the abductors have reduced the amount to N30 million.
The relative who preferred anonymity said, “this is the situation we find ourselves now. We are working hard to raise the money. We are soliciting assistance from friends and relatives to raise the funds.
“We are also, appealing to spirited individuals, corporate organizations and civil society organizations to come to the aid of the abductees.
“As I speak to you, security agencies deployed to the area are still in and around our community but they are unable to arrest the kidnappers and rescue our people.
“We are also calling on government to deploy more security agencies to comb the forest so as to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators”.
