Nigeria, Feb. 10 -- Suspected terrorists have abducted at least nine worshippers observing a vigil at St John's Catholic Church in Ojije community, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

The abduction occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday while the church was observing its vigil as part of a 30-day prayer programme, local sources told Idoma Television.

The victims are mostly women and youths.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association, Jude Onwe, said gunmen stormed the church premises during prayers and took nine worshippers away.

"Around 2 a.m., armed men invaded St John's Catholic Church and abducted nine worshippers who were attending a vigil," Mr Onwe said in a telephone interview.

He ...