The Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mathew Abo has been freed by kidnappers who seized ten days ago.
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 reported that the gunmen arrived at Abo’s residence, and ordered everyone, including his wife and children, to lie face down, and took him away to an unknown destination.
Abo reunited with his family around 1:00 am on Thursday after spending 10 days in captivity.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula in Makurdi, disclosed that no ransom or any monetary exchanges were involved in securing the release of the state commissioner.
“We can confirm that the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, has regained freedom. He has since reunited with his family in Sankera, Ukum Local Government Area where he was abducted.
“His release was as a result of intense pressure on the criminals from the gallant security operatives, acting on the directives of Gov. Hyacinth Alia, who had earlier given marching orders to them to ensure Mr. Abo’s release”, he said.
The statement further disclosed that the kidnappers were still holding the former Chairman, Ukum LGA, Mr Washima Erukaa and his cousin who discreetly went to negotiate with them for the release of Mr Erukaa but were also kidnapped.
The former chairman was kidnapped at a different location and date.
Alia, who welcomed back the commissioner, further warned criminals operating within the state to leave for good, insisting that they would not be tolerated in any form.
The governor commended the security operatives for ensuring the safe release of the commissioner and tasked them to ensure the release of the remaining captives.
He urged security operatives to be ruthless with criminals and ensure that they have no room to operate in the state.
