Gunmen Kidnap Benue Information Commissioner

Some gunmen on Sunday night invaded the residence of Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, and abducted him.

The incident was said to have occurred around 8:00pm at his country home in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner was said to have been at home with his family members when the gunmen came on four motorcycles and found their way into his living room.

An eyewitness said, “The kidnappers came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house including the commissioner’s wife and children to lie face down, and took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.“

The abductors forced the commissioner to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sandwiched him.

Abo was among the 17 commissioners sworn in on August 29, 2023, by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Tersoo, confirmed the abduction of the commissioner.

He said, “Yes he was kidnapped. Unfortunately, he was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, around 8 pm on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

“He was 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.”