Crimes

Kidnapped Benue commissioner regains freedom

The Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mathew Agbo, who was recently kidnapped in the state, has regained his freedom.

This was confirmed in a statement issued by the commissioner in the early hours of Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Agbo, who spent ten days in captivity, was kidnapped on September 24 at his hometown in Zaki-Biam Local Government Area of Benue State.

He thanked Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and the security agencies for ensuring his safe release, saying: “I appreciate all the effort and prayers that have culminated in my release and subsequent reuniting with my family

“I pray that my ordeal will lead to renewed efforts toward tackling both internal and external security challenges in the state.

“I, therefore, call on all residents of the state to support government efforts and the security agencies toward tackling insecurity in the state.”

The commissioner, who thanked his colleagues, family members, friends, and staff of his ministry for their fervent prayers, promised to serve the state to the best of his ability.

He called on the residents to pray for the success of the current administration in the state, adding that the Alia-led administration means well for the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Alia said no ransom or any monetary exchanges were involved in securing the release of Abo.

The governor said this in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Thursday.

He stated: “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 Governor Hyacinth Alia, who had earlier given marching orders to them to ensure Mr. Abo’s release.”

Kula further disclosed that the kidnappers were still holding the former Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Washima Erukaa, and his cousin who discreetly went to negotiate with them for the release of Erukaa but was also kidnapped.

The former chairman was kidnapped at a different location and date.

The Star