Abducted Benue Information Commissioner Abo Released, 2 Others Still Being Held

…Governor Alia pledges tougher action on crime

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Benue State, Hon. Matthew Abo, has been released after being abducted by gunmen about few weeks ago.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the Commissioner was safely reunited with his family in the Ukum Local Government area of Sankera, where he had been taken.

Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, who confirmed this, disclosed that no ransom was paid for Abo’s release, implying that the criminals caved to the persistent pressure exerted by local law enforcement.

He disclosed that the security forces, acting on orders from Governor Hyacinth Alia, had been tasked with securing Abo’s release.

However, the situation remains tense as the criminals continue to hold another high-profile captive, former Chairman of the Ukum LGA, Mr. Washima Erukaa, along with his cousin. Both individuals were reportedly kidnapped while attempting to negotiate with the culprits for Abo’s release.

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Governor Alia, welcoming Commissioner Abo back, issued a stern warning to criminals operating within the state. “Such activities will not be tolerated,” he said, encouraging law enforcement to continue their efforts in securing the release of the remaining captives.

The statement reads; “We can confirm that the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Matthew Abo, has regained freedom.

“He has since reunited with his family in Sankera, Ukum Local Government where he was abducted.

“No ransome or any other monetary exchanges were involved in securing his release. Rather, 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.

“However, the criminals are still in custody of the former Chairman Ukum LGA, Mr. Washima Erukaa and his cousin who it was learnt discreetly went to negotiate with the kidnappers and was also kidnapped.

“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.

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“The Governor appreciates the security operatives for the feat, charging them to continue their actions in order to get the remaining captives released.

“He charges the security operatives to be ruthless on criminals, ensuring they have no room to operate in the state”.