By Oluwatosin Maliki
Kidnapped Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Matthew Abo, has been released from the den of kidnappers, who had abducted him more than one week ago.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, Tersoo Kula confirmed his release on Thursday.
Commissioner Abo has since reunited with his family in Sankera, Ukum Local Government, where he was abducted, Kula said.
It was gathered that the commissioner was abducted in his hometown in Zaki-Biam of Ukum Local Government Area of the state around 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 24th, 2023.
In addition, the Press Secretary noted that the commissioner’s release was a result of an order by the Governor, Hyacinth Alia, ordering security operatives to intensify pressure on the kidnappers to secure his immediate release.
According to the Chief Press Secretary, no ransom or monetary exchange was involved in securing his release.
However, the statement further noted that the former Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Washima Erukaa, and his cousin who it was learned discreetly went to negotiate with the kidnappers, were also abducted by the criminals and are still in their custody.
The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has issued a strong warning to criminals, saying that criminal activities would be dealt with accordingly and would not be tolerated under any circumstances in the State.
In the same vein, the governor commended the security personnel for the achievement and urged them to continue their good work in freeing other prisoners.
Governor Hyacinth ordered the security operatives to be brutal and show no mercy to criminals, making sure that they are unable to operate within the state.
However, commissioner Abo issued a statement on Thursday morning expressing his gratitude to God, Governor Hyacinth Alia, his colleagues, security agencies, and others for his release from the captors’ den after 10 days.
He stated, “I appreciate all the efforts and prayers that have culminated in my safe release and reunion with my family and society”.
“I wish that my ordeal will lead to renewed efforts to tackle both internal and external security challenges in the state and I call for the cooperation of everyone in the task ahead”.
He added, “May I assure you that I remain determined more than ever to effectively utilise the platform which Governor Alia has offered to me to serve the people of the state as a member of the Benue State Executive Council with renewed vigor”.