Benue Police have arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of nine worshipers at a night vigil in St. John Catholic Church, Ojeji, Ado local government area of the state.

Though the abducted worshippers have been rescued and reunited with their families, after the arrest of two suspected kidnappers - Abubakar Jibril (male) and Ashiru Ibrahim (male)— earlier by the police who were found in possession of five (5) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Further investigation by the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) further led to the arrest of Ashiru Ibrahim on 14th February, 2026 in his hideout where one (1) AK-47 rifle and eight (8) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered as well as the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate.

In a statement signed by command image maker, Edet Udeme, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the deployment of the Police Air Wing for aerial surveillance and operations, alongside the reinforcement of additional tactical teams to Benue State.

While the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, commended effort of the operatives and member of other security agencies for their collaboration and reassures the people of Benue that the Command remains fully mobilized, and all forms of violent crime across the state.