The suspected kidnappers have held back two persons who mediated for the release of the Benue State Commissioner of Information and Culture and Tourism Matthew Abo who was abducted and spent 10 days in the kidnapers’ den.
WikkiTimes reported that the commissioner was abducted in his hometown, Ukum local government area of the state, on September 24. After his abduction, the kidnappers had requested a N60 million ransom before his release to the family.
Tersoo Kula, the new spokesperson to the governor of the state in a statement on Thursday, confirmed former Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr Washima Erukaa, and his cousin were withheld by the abductors after the release of the commissioner.
“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.”
He explained that “His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who has welcomed back the Commissioner, has warned criminals operating within the state to leave for good, insisting that they will not be tolerated in any form.
He said that the abducted commissioner regained his freedom without paying any ransom to the kidnappers.
