•Act barbaric, condemnable, unacceptable -Gov
From Scholastica Onyeka Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Matthew Abo.
Also, gunmen in another operation, abducted another victim, former Chairman Ukum LGA, Mr. Iorwashima Erukaa .
Daily Sun gathered that Abo was kidnapped Sunday night, September 24th, 2023, at about 8pm by the gunmen, who stormed his residence in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA), of the state.
It was gathered further that the kidnappers, who arrived on four motorcycles, stormed his home and ordered everyone, including his wife and children, to lie face down.
According to a family source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, while the family members were lying on the floor,the kidnappers took Abo away at gunpoint in one of their motorcycles to an unknown destination.
The Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Mr Kula Tersoo, said,”Yes Abo was kidnapped. Unfortunately, he was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, around 8pm on Sunday.
“He was in his home with his family, children and his people when the armed men came in. They forced him to a bike and took him away.
“We received the unfortunate development and His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia has already directed and detailed security operatives to ensure his safe release.
??Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the kidnap of Abo and another victim, former Chairman Ukum LGA, Mr. Iorwashima Erukaa .
in a statement, Tersoo noted,”Governor Hyacinth Alia has received the unfortunate news of the kidnap of Mr. Matthew Abo, the Commissioner for Information, culture and Tourism, and former Chairman Ukum LGA, Mr. Iorwashima Erukaa.
“While Abo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in his Sankara home at about 8pm, Sunday, September 24th, 2023, Mr. Erukaa was also taken away by a yet- to -be identified gunmen on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.”
It was said that the kidnappers who took the duo to yet to be identified locations, have made contacts with the family of Erukaa,but are yet to make contacts with Abo’s family.
The Governor, who described the act as barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable, has already detailed security agencies to immediately commence operations to ensure the safe release of the duo.
He has called on the people of the state to remain calm, as his administration would do everything possible to make the state safe for all.