…the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million for the release of the nine captives but later lowered the amount to N30 million by Thursday.
BENUE, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Kidnappers of nine Catholic worshippers in Ojije community, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, have begun negotiating with the victims’ families, initially demanding a ransom of 100 million Naira.
The victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026, when armed men stormed St. John’s Catholic Church during a night vigil. The kidnappers struck around 2:00 a.m., abducting children, women, and youths who had gathered for prayers.
A family member of one of the victims, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the kidnappers contacted the families on Wednesday to begin ransom negotiations. The source said the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million for the release of the nine captives but later lowered the amount to N30 million by Thursday.
“That is the situation we are facing. We are working hard to raise the funds and are seeking support from friends and relatives,” the family member said.
He added that the demand has placed a heavy financial burden on the families, who are struggling to mobilize resources quickly to secure the safe return of their loved ones. “We are also appealing to public-spirited individuals, corporate organisations, and civil society groups to assist the victims,” he pleaded.
The families lamented that, despite the presence of security personnel in the area, no breakthrough has yet been achieved in rescuing the abducted worshippers. “As I speak, security agencies remain deployed in and around our community, but they have been unable to apprehend the kidnappers or free our people,” he said.
The community also urged the government to intensify security operations in the surrounding forests, believed to be hideouts for the abductors. “We call on the government to deploy more security personnel to comb the forests and rescue the victims, as well as apprehend the perpetrators,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the Senate Minority Leader and lawmaker representing Benue South Senatorial District, Dr. Abba Moro, visited Ojije community on Thursday to sympathize with the families of the victims. Represented by the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Chief George Alli, Moro expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying he was devastated upon learning the news.
He assured the community of collaborative efforts to secure the release of the victims, emphasizing that he would not abandon his constituents during this period of distress. The senator also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the unconditional rescue of the abductees and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In separate remarks, community youth leader Mr. Ogbu Ejeh, Clan Head Chief Ideva Ajor, and the church leader thanked Senator Moro for his visit. They appealed to him to do everything possible to facilitate the safe return of the victims and to strengthen security in the area to prevent future incidents, describing the attack as both traumatic and unfortunate.
The abducted worshippers have been identified as Peter Enwe, Ikeh Janet, Echi Victoria, Ejali Mary, Agbo Victoria, Orji Philip, Ejali Godwin, Orji Victoria, and Unogwu Victoria.
