There are hints that the kidnappers of Rev. Gideon Haanongon, the chairman of the Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State, are demanding N50 million as ransom to free him.
Recall that on Saturday morning, unknown armed individuals attacked and kidnapped the chairman at Anyagba, Tongov, along the Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam route in Katsina-Ala LGA, along with his personal assistant, driver, and police orderly.
On Tuesday, a family source who wished to remain anonymous informed reporters that the chairman’s kidnappers had begun talks with his relatives in an attempt to negotiate his release.
According to him,
“From what we have seen so far, his abductors are members of a local bandit. They have started discussing this with his family, and they are demanding a million ransom for his release.
“The information I have is that the discussion is still ongoing, and we are praying and hoping that it will end well and they will be released in no time.
“We also heard that the state government is working hard to have him released, but we do not know if the government will pay the ransom or not.”
Contacted, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr Matthew Abo, confirmed the development, saying, “I heard that the kidnappers are demanding a certain amount of money, though I cannot authenticate the veracity of the rumour.
“I cannot also state categorically, but the state government has mobilised security operatives who are working hard to rescue the chairman.”
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, could not be reached for her reaction.
Credit: Vanguard