Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has confirmed that the release of his Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Mathew Abo, was secured without any ransom or monetary exchanges.
This information was shared in a statement on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.
Governor Alia stated that Mr. Abo’s release was achieved due to the relentless efforts of security operatives acting on his directives.
He confirmed that Mr. Abo had been reunited with his family in Sankera, Ukum Local Government Area, where he was abducted.
“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 Gov. Hyacinth Alia, who had earlier given marching orders to them to ensure Mr. Abo’s release,” the statement read.
However, the statement also revealed that the kidnappers are still holding the former Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Washima Erukaa, and his cousin who were kidnapped while negotiating for Mr. Erukaa’s release.
Governor Alia expressed his gratitude to the security operatives for ensuring the safe release of the commissioner and urged them to secure the release of the remaining captives. He further warned criminals within the state to cease their activities, emphasizing that criminal behavior will not be tolerated.
Recall that Wuzup Nigeria reported that Mr. Abo was kidnapped on September 24 and spent 10 days in captivity before being released.
The incident occurred when gunmen arrived on four motorcycles around 8:00 p.m., ordered everyone in the house, including Mr. Abo’s wife and children, to lie face down, and then took him away to an unknown location.
