Gunmen kidnap Benue Commissioner, Matthew Abo

Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have abducted the Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo. The unsettling incident transpired on Sunday night at approximately 10 pm, when the armed assailants invaded the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, the administrative center of Ukum Local Government Area within the state.

According to a witness at the scene, the assailants, arriving on four motorcycles, forcibly entered the commissioner’s house, discharging their firearms erratically. In a harrowing display of aggression, they ordered all occupants within the residence, including the commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down. Following this, they swiftly abducted Commissioner Abo, spiriting him away to an undisclosed location.

Confirming this distressing occurrence, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, relayed the tragic news to DAILY POST on Monday. Contacted by our correspondent, Kula succinctly stated, “Unfortunately, that is the news. Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism, Mr. Matthew Abo from Ukum LGA was kidnapped.”

It is significant to note that Abo was among the 17 Commissioners inaugurated as members of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29, 2023. The community and authorities are eagerly awaiting further developments in this disconcerting situation.