Gunmen Release Kidnapped Benue State Commissioner

The Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mathew Abo has regained his freedom from his kidnappers.

Naija News understands Abo who was abducted by gunmen on Sunday in his residence at Zaki-Biam, regained his freedom in the early hours of Thursday.

Recall the commissioner was abducted by gunmen who rode on four motorcycles to his house in Zaki-Biam, a rural town famous for being the largest yam market in the country.

It was gathered that the gunmen arrived at Abo’s residence, and ordered everyone, including his wife and children, to lie face down, after which they took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.

According to a close family source who spoke on the commissioner’s release, Abo reunited with his family around 1:00 am on Thursday.

The source which was quoted by Punch was however unable to verify whether any ransom was paid before his release.

Earlier, the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, had described the kidnap of the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, as barbaric and unacceptable.

In a statement on Monday by his spokesman, Tersoo Kula, the governor also condemned the abduction of former Chairman Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, Iorwashima Erukaa.

The governor’s spokesman added that Governor Alia has already detailed security agencies to commence operations immediately to ensure the safe release of the duo.

Kula stated that the governor has called on the people of the state to remain calm, as his administration will do everything to make the state safe for all.