A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Peter Adejoh, has condemned the recent spate of kidnappings in the Benue South Senatorial District, describing the incidents as unacceptable and a clear sign of a deepening security crisis in the area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Adejoh expressed outrage over two separate abductions that occurred within 48 hours, involving worshippers and travellers across parts of Ado, Oju, Obi and Okpokwu local government areas.
According to him, the first incident happened in the early hours of Sunday when at least nine worshippers were kidnapped during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije community, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area.
The victims were participating in a 30-day prayer programme when suspected terrorists struck.
Barely two days later, another attack occurred on Monday evening along the Okpokwu corridor, where fourteen travellers from communities in the Igede axis of Oju and Obi local government areas were abducted while on transit, as confirmed by the police.
Reacting to the attacks, Adejoh said the abduction of worshippers and travellers within such a short period showed that insecurity in Benue South had reached a dangerous level.
“Enough is enough. These are innocent citizens who were either worshipping or travelling, yet they were violently taken away by criminals,” he said.
He noted that the latest kidnappings were only a fraction of the violent attacks that have plagued Benue State for years, leaving many communities traumatised, displaced and seeking justice.
Adejoh called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted persons, stressing that no cause could justify the kidnapping of innocent people.
He also urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and ground operations to ensure the swift rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible.
The ADC guber aspirant further appealed to the Benue State Government to demonstrate leadership by strengthening security coordination, improving early warning mechanisms and working closely with federal authorities and local communities to restore peace.
“Our people deserve to live, travel and worship without fear. This moment requires urgency, commitment and visible action,” he added.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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