Armed men abducted at least nine worshippers from St. John's Catholic Church in Benue State's Utonkon district on Sunday, around 2 a.m.
The victims were attending a 30-day prayer meeting when the attackers struck, forcing them into vehicles and driving off into nearby bushland.
Community leaders and local government officials confirmed the incident, saying the abductees include women and youths.
Officials blamed the lack of security coordination for the attack, despite prior warnings.
Security agencies, including police, have launched a search operation to locate the victims and identify the attackers.
The incident has created tension in the community, but daily activities continue.
The state government is working with security forces to address rising violence in Benue.
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