The suspected kidnappers responsible for the abduction of nine congregants from St. John’s Catholic Church in Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, have reportedly initiated ransom negotiations.
The victims, who are primarily women and youths, were forcibly taken during a late-night prayer vigil at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Sunday in the Utonkon district.
According to a relative of one of the captives, the abductors made their initial contact on Wednesday, demanding a sum of N100 million for the release of the group.
However, following extensive discussions held in the early hours of Thursday, the kidnappers reportedly lowered their demands to N30 million. Families are currently struggling to raise the required funds and have issued a public plea for financial assistance from charitable individuals, corporate bodies, and civil society organizations.
There is growing frustration among the families regarding the effectiveness of the ongoing rescue operations.
While security personnel have been dispatched to the region, they have yet to locate the victims or apprehend the suspects. Relatives are calling on the government to increase the number of boots on the ground to thoroughly search the surrounding forests.
When contacted for an update, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Udeme Edet, was unavailable for comment.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Sunday Oche, refrained from discussing the specifics of the ransom demand, though he maintained that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the worshippers return home safely.
