Gunmen kidnap Benue LG chairman, 3 aides

Gunmen have abducted the Caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, Haanongon Gideon.

It was gathered that the gunmen also kidnapped the chairman’s personal assistant, Ior Yuhwam; his driver; and a police officer.

The victims, it was learnt, were abducted along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

They were said to be on their way to attend the burial of the traditional ruler of Katsina-Ala Local Government, Fezaanga Wombo, when the incident occurred.

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Confirming the abduction, the council secretary, Jonathan Modi, in a statement, said: “The Ukum Local Government Area Executive Council announces the kidnap of the Council Chairman, Rev. Haanongon Gideon, alongside his PA on Administration, Mr Ior  Yuhwam, his driver and police officer.

“The ugly incident took place this morning, along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala LGA, of Benue State, around 6:30 a.m., while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.”

Modi, however, urged the people of the local government to remain calm and be law-abiding, saying efforts were ongoing to ensure the victims’ freedom.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command has yet to speak on the incident as of press time.

The Star