Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Matthew Abo has been abducted by unknown gunmen in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.
The Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula told the News Agency of Nigeria, through a text message on Monday morning in Makurdi that Gov. Hyacinth Alia had received the unfortunate news and has already directed security operatives to ensure his safe release.
Kula added that the abduction allegedly took place about 8pm Sunday.
“Yes, we received the unfortunate news, and the governor has already detailed security operatives to do everything possible to ensure his safe release”, the text message read.
There were also reports that several gunmen stormed the the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area and kidnapped him.
Eyewitnesses, who spoke to NAN, stated that the kidnappers came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including Mrs Aboh and children, to lie face down before they took the Commissioner to an unknown destination.
The witnesses added that the abductors compelled the commissioner at gun point to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sandwitched him.
Recall that the abducted commissioner was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29, 2023 and he hails from Ukum LGA.
Ukum is in the Sankera axis of the state which is made up of Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala LGAs. That part of the state has remained the epicentre of attacks, killings and kidnappings by unknown gunmen whose activities have gradually taken firm root in that axis despite the presence of security personnel.
Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Sewuese Anene said the Command was yet to receive the report on the incident.
