By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo, who was abducted at his residence in Zaki-Biam on Sunday, September 24th 2023, regained his freedom early on Thursday.
Mr. Tahav Agerzua, former media aide to the immediate past administration in the state and a close associate to Mr. Abo said, “Impeccable sources disclosed that his abductors released him in the early hours of today and he has already reunited with his family”.
The sources which did not state whether the N60 million or any money demanded as ransom by his abductors was paid or not said the Commissioner returned in good health
The Commissioner had spent 10 days in captivity before freedom came his way.
His release could be attributed to intensified security operations, spirited negotiations, as well as prayers by individuals and groups.
Staff of the Benue State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism mounted concerted prayer sessions for the safe release of the Commissioner.
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Alia who condemned the abduction also directed the security agencies to ensure the release of the commissioner.
It could be recalled that gunmen came on four motorcycles, 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.
The abduction took place after 8 pm on Sunday, 24th September, 2023.
Abo was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29th, 2023.
