Abducted Benue LG chairman, Gideon Haanongon, aides finally regain freedom

Reverend Gideon Haanongon, the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, and his team have been successfully rescued after spending nearly two weeks in captivity.

The rescue operation, carried out by the troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion under the 401 Special Forces Brigade, Makurdi, unfolded following their abduction on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

The daring operation, which took place at Anyagba, Tongov, along the Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam road in Katsina-Ala LGA, involved the liberation of Haanongon, his Personal Assistant, driver, and police orderly. \

Responding to a distress call, the troops not only freed the captives but also dismantled three camps belonging to the kidnappers.

A military source, speaking anonymously, shared insights into the rescue, stating, “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.”

Recounting the harrowing experience, the rescued Chairman explained that he was on his way to attend the burial of the late Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo, when the ambush occurred. He disclosed, “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.”

He added, “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.”

Expressing gratitude for the military’s relentless efforts, Haanongon acknowledged the pivotal 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’s determination and successful efforts, highlighting their commitment to ensuring the safe release of the council chairman. The community now breathes a sigh of relief as the chairman and his aides reunite with their families after this harrowing ordeal.