In a troubling incident, Benue State’s Commissioner of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, was abducted from his residence in the Zaki-Biam community of Ukum Local Government Area on Sunday night.
The abduction took place at the commissioner’s hometown, and he had only recently been sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29th, 2023. This incident has raised concerns as Ukum Local Government Area has been a hotspot for criminal activities.
Eyewitnesses reported that a group of gunmen arrived at the commissioner’s residence on four motorcycles. They ordered everyone, including the commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down before taking him away on one of the motorcycles.
The abductors reportedly forced the commissioner, at gunpoint, to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman accompanied them. The incident has been reported to the police, although there has been no official confirmation from the Benue State Police Command as of now.
The Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, has confirmed the unfortunate incident, revealing that the commissioner was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA around 8 pm on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
“He was in his home with his family, children and his people when the armed men came in. They forced him to a bike.
“We received the unfortunate development and His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia has already directed and detailed the security operatives to ensure his safe release from the kidnappers den.”
