Gunmen have kidnapped the Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo
According to an eye-witness, the commissioner was abducted on Sunday night at about 10pm when the armed men invaded the Commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
The gunmen who invaded the area on four motorcycles, forcefully entered the commissioner’s house shooting sporadically. The assailants ordered everyone in the house, including the Commissioner‘s wife and children to lie face down, after which they whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, Tersoo Kula the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, simply said, “Unfortunately, that is the news. Commissioner for Information, culture & Tourism, Mr. Matthew Abo from Ukum LGA was kidnapped.”
Meanwhile, Tersoo Kula also confirmed the kidnaping of a former Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Mr Iorwashima Erukaa.
Monday, September 25th, 2023
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.
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 will do everything to make the state safe for all.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.
