•Police arrest 4, Alia lauds quick security response
By Peter Duru
MAKURDI—Tension remains high along the Benue-Taraba border following the abduction of a businesswoman and nine other passengers along the Takum-Tor Donga-Katsina Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, LGA.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on February 9, 2026, around 10 a.m., at a settlement identified as Tse-De while traveling from Takum in Taraba State to Tor-Donga Market, a major commercial hub.
Family sources identified the abducted woman as a grain dealer, describing the incident as traumatic. “My aunt, a businesswoman, was kidnapped along with about 10 other passengers. Since the incident, there has been no communication from the abductors, and today marks one week,” a relative said.
In a related development, nine worshippers abducted during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, Utonkon in Ado LGA, have regained their freedom following coordinated security operations. The victims, taken a week ago during a midnight prayer session, were released on Saturday evening unharmed.
Confirming the release, the Benue State Police Command said the rescue resulted from joint operations involving the Command and sister security agencies.
According to DSP Udeme Edet, Police Public Relations Officer, two suspects—Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim—were arrested on February 11 in possession of five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Acting on further intelligence, security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, eight rounds of ammunition, and arrested two additional key suspects on February 14.
“The arrested suspects are directly linked to the church abduction,” the police statement noted. Sustained search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-led raids pressured the criminal network, leading to the safe release of the victims. Efforts continue to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.”
Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security operatives for their “quick response and timely intervention,” emphasizing collaboration with federal agencies, local vigilantes, and traditional leaders to maintain community safety.
He disclosed that a high-level security meeting on February 13 set marching orders for the immediate release of the abducted worshippers.
The rescued victims—six females and three males—are receiving care and support, while residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
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