Benue Gov, Hyacinth Alia Reacts To Abduction Of Commissioner, Others

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Monday in strong terms condemned the kidnap of the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Matthew Abo; and former Chairman Ukum LGA, Mr Iorwashima Erukaa.

VerseNews had earlier reported that Abo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in his Sankara home at about 8:00pm on Sunday, September 24, 2023, while Erukaa was taken away by a yet to be identified gunmen on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

However, the governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, in a statement disclosed that since abduction of the duo to “yet-to-be-identified locations”, the kidnappers have made contact with the family of Erukaa but are yet to make contact with Abo’s family.

To this, the governor has directed the security agencies in the state to commence operations ensuring the safe return of the duo.

The governor said, “Governor Hyacinth Alia has received the unfortunate news of the kidnap of Mr. Matthew Abo, the Commissioner for Information, culture and Tourism, and former Chairman Ukum LGA, Mr. Iorwashima Erukaa.

“While Abo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in his Sankara home at about 8pm, Sunday, September 24th, 2023, Mr. Erukaa was also taken away by a yet to be identified gunmen on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.

“The kidnappers who took the duo to yet to be identified locations, have made contacts with the family of Erukaa but are yet to make contacts with Abo’s family.

“The Governor who described the act as barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable, has already detailed security agencies to immediately commence operations to ensure the safe release of the duo.

“He has called on the people of the state to remain calm, as his administration will do everything to make the state safe for all.”