Bandits pretending to be worshippers storm Benue church, abduct pastor during service

Bandits pretending to be worshippers have stormed the venue of a church programme and abducted the pastor, Emmanuel Apeh in Gboko, Benue State.

It was learnt that the incident occurred behind Mbalemen’s Filling Station Akaajime, around Mkar-Katsina/Ala Road at 8 pm on Thursday.

The victim’s wife, Christiana Apeh, said that the gunmen visited the venue of the church’s ongoing crusade and pretended to be worshippers.

The assailants were said to have waited until the end of the day’s programme and trailed the pastor to his car.

The gunmen reportedly shot sporadically to scare people away before whisking their victim to an unknown destination on a motorbike.

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The bandits are said to be demanding N10 million as ransom to release Apeh, who doubles as Proprietor of Excel Grace Secondary School, Akaajime, Gboko LGA.

The Herald gathered that his family members have been making frantic efforts to secure his release.

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The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene confirmed Apeh’s abduction.

She noted that the command has commenced an investigation into the matter in a bid to secure the victim’s release.

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