Abducted Benue commissioner
Benue commissioner regains freedom upon abduction. Mathew Abo, the abducted Commissioner of Information, Culture, and Tourism, has been released, according to the Benue State Government.
Abo, who was kidnapped by gunmen who stormed his house in Zaki-Biam on September 24, 2023, was reunited with his family about 1:00 a.m. today.
A source close to the family did not state whether any ransom was paid.
But the Chief Press Secretary to Benue Governor, Kula Tersoo, said the commissioner had since reunited with his family in Sankera, Benue State.
“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.
The governor said that no ransom was paid for the release of the abducted commissioner.
“There was no ransom or other monetary exchange involved in securing his release.” Rather, his release was 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.
“His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who has welcomed back the commissioner, warned criminals operating within the state to leave for good, insisting that they will not be tolerated in any form.
“The governor appreciates the security operatives for the feat, charging them to continue their actions in order to get the remaining captives released,” the spokesperson said in a statement.