A Catechist attached to the St Mary Immaculate Church Aho, Mr Patrick Jerome, and another resident were abducted in the Owukpa Community in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

DailyPost reports that the Catechist who was abducted on Wednesday was released on Friday after family members and the church paid an unspecified amount of money as ransom to the kidnappers.

The report added that the wife of a popular businessman, Aaron Gabriel also called Randy, was abducted after about ten assailants invaded the Aho market shooting indiscriminately.

Gabriel confirmed the abduction of his wife on Sunday, saying, “They invaded Aho market on Saturday with heavy firearms shooting sporadically before gaining entrance into my shop. They carted away most of my expensive goods. I can’t count how many phones they took and they also went away with all the money I left in the shop.

“They targeted my wife,” he said.

When asked if the kidnappers have made any contact, he said, “yes, I called my wife’s line and I spoke with them. They asked me to bring hundred million Naira and I’m just wondering where I can get such money. I’m confused”.

Leader of the community, Chief Akogwu Agada, confirmed the abductions, adding that “No one knows where these armed men are coming from. We don’t know their hideout but we are suspecting Fulani herdsmen who have been hitherto attacking the community due to clashes with farmers.”

While Agada called for the immediate intervention of security agencies in the state, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Anene, has been unreachable.

However, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Samuel Ortom, Terver Akase, expressed shock over the incident and promised to inform the governor and revert.