By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Mathew Abo, who was kidnapped at his residence in Zaki-Biam on Sunday, September twenty fourth 2023, has lastly regained freedom within the early hours of Thursday.
Mr. Tahav Agerzua, former media aide to the instant previous administration within the state and a detailed affiliate to Mr. Abo stated, “Impeccable sources disclosed that his abductors released him in the early hours of today and he has already reunited with his family”.
The sources which didn’t state whether or not the N60 million or any cash in any respect demanded as ransom by his abductors was paid or not stated the Commissioner returned in good well being.
The Commissioner spent 10 days in captivity earlier than regaining freedom.
His launch could possibly be attributed to intensified safety operations, spirited negotiations, in addition to prayers by people, teams and relations.
Staff of the Benue State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism had mounted concerted prayer classes for the protected launch of the Commissioner whereas in captivity.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia who condemned the kidnapping, additionally directed the safety companies to make sure the short launch of the commissioner.
It could possibly be recalled that gunmen got here on 4 bikes, ordered everybody in the home, together with the commissioner’s spouse and youngsters to lie face down and whisked him away to an unknown vacation spot on one of many bikes.
The abduction passed off after 8 pm on Sunday, twenty fourth September, 2023.
Mr. Mathew Abo was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August twenty ninth, 2023.