10 Kidnapped in Recent Benue Terrorist Assault, 9 Worshippers Rescued

Introduction

A series of violent incidents in early February 2024 has once again thrust Nigeria’s Benue State into the national security spotlight. In a stark display of the region’s volatility, two separate but geographically proximate kidnapping events unfolded within days of each other. The first incident saw a businesswoman and nine other travelers abducted from a highway notorious for criminal activity. In a separate, brazen attack, nine worshippers were seized from a Catholic church during an overnight vigil. While the second group was successfully rescued following a coordinated security offensive, the first ten victims remain missing, underscoring the persistent and evolving threat of armed criminality along the Benue-Taraba border. This event serves as a critical case study in the challenges of rural security in Nigeria, the effectiveness of multi-agency operations, and the urgent need for comprehensive community safety strategies. This report provides a detailed, fact-based examination of the incidents, the rescue operation, the broader context of insecurity in Benue, and actionable advice for at-risk populations.

Key Points