Governor Hyacinth Alia has openly condemned the kidnapping of Mr. Matthew Abo, Mr. Iorwashima Erukaa, the former chairman of the Ukum Local Government Area (LGA), and his commissioner for information, culture, and tourism.
This was stated in a press statement issued on Monday in Makurdi by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula.
While Mr. Abo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen at his Sankara house around 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, Mr. Erukaa was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Saturday, September 23.
The Governor, who called the incident as inhumane and unacceptable, has urged security forces to begin operations immediately to ensure the duo’s safe release.
He urged the people of the state to remain calm, promising that his administration will do everything in its power to make the state secure for everybody.
“The kidnappers have made contacts with the family of Mr Erukaa but are yet to contact Mr Abo’s family,” said the statement.
According to NAN, six gunmen raided the commissioner’s home in Zaki-Biam, Ukum LGA, and seized him.
According to eyewitnesses, the kidnappers, who arrived on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including his wife and children, to lie face down before transporting him to an unknown location.
According to witnesses, the abductors forced the commissioner to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a shooter sandwitched him.
On August 29, Abo was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council.
He comes from the Sankera axis’s Ukum Local Government Area, which has long been a hotbed of criminal activity with serial killings and kidnappings.