Matthew Abo, the state’s commissioner of information, culture, and tourism, has been kidnapped.
On Sunday night, Abo was kidnapped from his house in the Zaki-Biam community of the state’s Ukum Local Government Area.
On August 29, 2023, the victim took the oath of office to serve on the Benue State Executive Council.
He’s from Ukum, a local government region that has frequently been the scene of criminal activity.
Witnesses claimed that the commissioner was kidnapped by armed men who arrived at his home in Zaki-Biam, a rural community known for having the biggest yam market in the nation, on four motorcycles.
When the gunmen arrived at the residence of the information commissioner, they told everyone—including his wife and children—to lie face down. Then, they took him away on one of the motorcycles to an unidentified location, according to Tahav Agerzua, a former media assistant to two former governors of the state.
He continued by saying that the commissioner was forced by the kidnappers to sit behind the driver of one of the motorcycles while a gunman switched him.
Additionally, it was learned that the police had been notified about the situation.
However, Kula Tersoo, the state governor’s chief press secretary, acknowledged the occurrence, adding that “unfortunately, he (the commissioner) was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, approximately 8pm on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
“When the armed men entered, he was inside his house with his family, kids, and community members. He was coerced into riding a bike.
“We learned of the tragic event, and His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia has immediately instructed and given specific instructions to security personnel to secure the kidnapped man’s safe release”.