A Benue court has convicted nine out of 10 suspects linked to the abduction of worshippers at St John Catholic Church in Ojeji community, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were kidnapped during a night vigil at the church, a development that drew widespread concern over the security situation in the area.
Acting on credible intelligence, joint security operatives launched coordinated operations that led to the safe rescue of all nine victims without casualties.
The Police Intelligence Response Team led the initial operations, arresting four suspects and recovering AK-47 rifles and ammunition in the process.
Further investigations led to additional arrests, bringing the total number of suspects to 10.
Among those apprehended were Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, whose arrests provided critical leads that helped dismantle the criminal network.
Following arraignment, nine suspects were convicted and sentenced to varying prison terms, while one suspect remains awaiting trial.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunny Oche, praised the efforts of security agencies involved in the operation, including the police, the Department of State Services and local vigilante groups.
He also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Inspector General of Police and Deputy Governor Sam Odeh for their roles in ensuring that justice was served.
Oche said the outcome reflected a strong commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring public confidence in the state.
