Benue Gov Says No Ransom Was Paid To Secure Kidnapped Commissioner’s Release As Kidnappers Detain Ex-Council Boss, Cousin Who Went For Negotiation

 

The Benue State Governor, Rev Fr, Hyacinth Alia has said that no ransom was paid to secure the release of his Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo.

 

The state police command earlier confirmed the release of the commissioner, who was abducted at his residence in Zaki-Biam on September 24.

 

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, while confirming his release, said Abo was released in the early hours of Thursday and had been reunited with his family.

 

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Abo who was appointed commissioner in August, was kidnapped in his residence by gunmen who reportedly came on four motorcycles at about 8:00 p.m.

 

The hoodlums 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.

 

Abo had spent 10 days in captivity before regaining his freedom.

 

Reacting to his release, Governor Alia in a statement issued on Thursday through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula stated that no ransom or monetary exchanges were involved in securing his safe release.

 

The statement reads, “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 who were acting on the directives of Gov. Hyacinth Alia, who had earlier given marching orders to them to ensure Mr. Abo’s release."

 

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.

 

He, however, commended the security operatives for ensuring the safe release of the commissioner and tasked them to ensure the safe release of the remaining captives.

 

He charged security operatives to be ruthless on criminals and ensure that they have no room to operate in the state.