Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, has been kidnapped.
Abo was abducted at his hometown in Zaki-Biam community of Ukum Local Government Area last night.
Witnesses said the commissioner was abducted by gunmen who stormed his house on four motorcycles.
Tahav Agerzua, a former media aide to two ex-governors of the state, wrote that when the gunmen arrived at the information commissioner’s residence, they ordered everyone, including his wife and children to lie face down, after which they took him away on one of the motorcycles.
He added that the abductors forced Matthew Abo at gunpoint to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sandwiched him.
The Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor Kula Tersoo, confirmed the incident. He said:
“Unfortunately, he (commissioner) was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, around 8pm 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.”
Matthew Abo was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29th, 2023.
Ukum local government area has been a major flashpoint for criminal activities while Zaki-Biam is famous for being the largest yam market in the country.
