2023: Gunmen abduct Benue commissioner

The Commissioner of Information, Culture, and Tourism in Benue state, Hon. Matthew Abo has been kidnapped.

It was gathered that Abo was kidnapped Sunday night, September 24th, 2023, at about 8 pm by gunmen who stormed his residence in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, (LGA), of the state.

It was said that the kidnappers who arrived on four motorcycles, stormed into his home and ordered everyone, including the commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down.

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It was said that while everyone obeyed their command, they took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.

It was also gathered that the abductors compelled the commissioner at gunpoint to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sat behind him.

Confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, said “Yes he was kidnapped. Unfortunately, he was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, around 8 pm on, Sunday, September 24, 2023.

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“He was in his home with his family, children, and his people when the armed men came in. They forced him to a bike.

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“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,” he said.