Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) is conducting a military operation to rescue the kidnapped Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Hon Mathew Abo.
Hon Abo was kidnapped last Sunday by gunmen who stormed his house in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State, according to Platinum Times.
According to a family source, his kidnappers made contact with the family and sought N60 million in ransom.
According to Platinum Times, a thorough search was underway to ensure the Hon Abo’s release from the kidnappers’ hideout.
The troops of Operation Whirl Stroke OPWS, in coordination with the chiefs of other sister security organizations, were on top of the situation, according to Platinum Times.
The source who spoke under anonymity said,
“Officers and men of OPWS and other security agencies have been charged to work assiduously towards ensuring that they rescue the kidnapped Commissioner from the hands of his abductors.”
The source further said, “Heads of other security agencies in concert with the Force Commander, OPWS, Major General Sunday Igbinowanhia have vowed that they would not rest on their oars until the Hon Aboh regains his freedom.”
On the speculation that his abductors are demanding for ransom, the military officer said that the OPWS do not negotiate with insurgents and bandits.
He said, “Our men are already combing the surrounding area and forests and in no distant future, you will hear good news.
“We are doing everything in conjunction with other security agencies in the Joint Operations Area to rescue the Hon Aboh.”
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed that the operation in search of the kidnapped commissioner was a combined one.
“It is a joint operation in search of the abducted commissioner which involved the military, we are all together,” Anene said