At least nine worshippers have been abducted by suspected bandits during a night vigil at a church in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred late at night while members of the church were gathered for prayers. Witnesses said armed men stormed the church premises, firing shots into the air and causing panic among worshippers before whisking away several of them to an unknown location.
Residents of the area were thrown into fear following the attack, with many describing it as sudden and well-coordinated. Some worshippers were said to have sustained injuries while attempting to escape during the chaos.
Security operatives have since been deployed to the area and are said to be combing nearby forests and communities in a bid to rescue the abducted victims and track down the perpetrators.
As of the time of this report, the Benue State Police Command is yet to release an official statement, while efforts are ongoing to confirm the identities of the kidnapped worshippers.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State, as residents continue to call on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and places of worship.
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