Unknown gunmen in the early hours of Saturday, abducted the Caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, Haanongon Gideon and three others.
The chairman was said to have been kidnapped along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state around 6.30am while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.
The council secretary, Jonathan Modi in a press statement confirmed the abduction of the caretaker chairman and three others.
Among those kidnapped along with him were his personal assistant, Mr. Ior Yuhwam, his driver and a police officer.
The statement read in part: “The Ukum Local Government Area Executive Council announces the kidnap of the Council Chairman, Rev. Haanongon Gideon, alongside his PA on Administration, Mr Ior Yuhwam, his driver and police officer.
“The ugly incident took place this morning, along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala LGA, of Benue State, around 6:30am, while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount Ruler of Katsina Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo”.
The statement enjoined all the people of the local government to remain calm and be law-abiding, assuring them that measures are being taken to ensure the victims’ freedom.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, also confirmed the abduction of the chairman.
He said: “It’s true he was abducted, I cannot say much now because I am at a funeral in Katsina-Ala”.
Recall that the State Commissioner for Information, who hails from the same local government area, was also abducted by gunmen in September, 2023.
When contacted, the State command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to be briefed.
