Rev. Gideon Haanongon, Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, was kidnapped along with his personal aides and has been released after almost two weeks in captivity.
Haanongon, his Personal Assistant, driver, and police officer were kidnapped by unknown armed individuals on Saturday, January 13, 2024, near Anyagba, Tongov, on the Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam route in Katsina-Ala LGA.
Platinum Times learned that the rescue operation was carried out on Wednesday at 6 p.m. by troops from the 72 Special Forces Battalion of the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi.
The army responded to a distress call and demolished three kidnappers’ camps in the process.
A military source, speaking under anonymity stated that,
“when we recovered him, we brought him down to our barracks in Makurdi.
“We administered first aid to him and also gave him food to eat. He is in good condition. We are determined to secure the State as we have our men in the 23 LGAs.”
Narrating his harrowing ordeal, the rescued Chairman said that he was on his way to attend the burial of the late Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.
He stated that around Anyagba, he ran into an ambush by some strange boys who were shooting sporadically and even killed someone.
“At a point, they told me that these soldiers were disturbing them because of me and that the Governor had appealed to them to release me, and he will forgive them.
“So, at about 8 pm on Wednesday, we crossed a stream and trekked a very long distance almost like from Makurdi to Abinsi, and they removed the blindfold and asked me to take a path that leads to Zaki-Biam,” he said.
The Council Chairman expressed gratitude for the military’s persistent efforts and acknowledged the role played by the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security, Lt. Col. Alexander Ashungu (rtd).
In response, the Security Adviser commended the military for their determination and successful efforts in ensuring the safe release of the council chairman.