Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – The nine children kidnapped last week from the St. John of the Cross mission station in Ojijea Ojije, Utonkon, Benue State, have been released (see Fides, 10/2/2026). The rescued children – six girls and three boys – were taken to a hospital for medical treatment. The mission station belongs to the St. Paul parish in Ado Local Government Area. The children were abducted during a prayer vigil. Police have announced the arrest of four people suspected of involvement in the kidnapping. The first two were arrested on February 11. Based on further information, police conducted a raid on February 14 at the hideout of one of the suspects. During the operation, an AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition were recovered, and two more suspects, considered key figures in the criminal gang responsible for the kidnappings, were arrested.
Police investigations revealed that the four arrested individuals are directly connected to the abduction of the nine young men. Ongoing search operations in the kidnapping area and surrounding villages increased the pressure on the accomplices holding the hostages, who were forced to release them safely.
Meanwhile, news of a new massacre in Niger State in western Nigeria has emerged. Armed men on motorcycles attacked three villages in the Borgu district, near the border with Kwara and Katsina states. At least 46 people were killed, 38 of them in the village of Konkoso alone. Others were abducted, and their homes were burned down. The region borders the Kainji Forest, which has long been a refuge for armed groups, including those linked to Boko Haram. Violence in the area is perpetrated by both ideologically driven groups and bandits interested in kidnappings for ransom. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 16/2/2026)
