In a daring attack, gunmen on Sunday night invaded the residence of Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, and kidnapped him.
Abo was whisked away at 8:00 pm after the assailants stormed his country home in Zaki Bian, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
The information commissioner was at home with his family members when the gunmen came on four motorcycles and found their way into his living room.
“The kidnappers came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house including the commissioner’s wife and children to lie face down, and took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.
“The abductors forced the commissioner to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sandwiched him,” an eyewitness said.
Abo was among the 17 commissioners sworn in on August 29, 2023, by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The incident has been confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Tersoo.
Tersoo said, “Yes he was kidnapped. Unfortunately, he was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, around 8 pm on, Sunday, September 24, 2023.
“He was home with his family, children, and his people when the armed men came in. They forced him to a bike.
“We received the unfortunate development and His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia has already directed and detailed the security operatives to ensure his safe release from the kidnappers’ den.”