Gunmen abduct Benue commissioner, ex-LGA chairman
Gov. Hyacinth Alia has condemned the kidnaping of Mr Matthew Abo, the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, and Mr Iorwashima Erukaa, former Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area.
The duo were abducted by gunmen in Zaki-Biam at about 8pm on Sunday.
The governor described the act as barbaric and unacceptable, and directed security agencies to track the criminals and ensure safe release of the duo.
He called on the people of the state to remain calm, as his administration would do everything possible to make the state safe for all.
The kidnappers have made contact with the family of Mr Erukaa but are yet to contact Mr Abo’s family.
Several gunmen on four motorcycles stormed the the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, ordered everyone in the house, including his wife and children to lie face down and took him away to an unknown destination.
The witnesses said the abductors compelled the commissioner at gun point to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while another gunman sat behind him.
Abo who was sworn in as a member of the Benue Executive Council on Aug. 29, hails from Sankera axis of Ukum LGA, an area that has witnessed rampant killings and kidnappings for years.
