Mathew Abo: Gunmen slam N60m ransom on kidnaped Benue Commissioner

Gunmen who abducted the Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mathew Abo, have demanded a ransom of N60million.

This is coming barely five days after the commissioner was abducted.

According to an unnamed family member who spoke with PUNCH, the abductors made the demand on Friday in a phone call to a member of the family.

The kidnappers, according to the source, have resorted to torturing the commissioner in order to press their demands.

The source was quoted as saying: “Today (Friday) they (abductors) called and placed their phone on loud so that their beating of the commissioner and his cries for help could be heard.”

Recall that last Sunday in Zaki Biam, the headquarters of the state’s Ukum Local Government Area, four suspected kidnappers arrived on four motorcycles and abducted Abo in his house.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen transported the commissioner on one of the motorcycles to an unknown destination. According to the witness, the abductors forced the commissioner to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sandwiched him.

Rev Fr Dr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, condemned the kidnapping and asked security personnel to ensure the Commissioner’s safe release.

Meanwhile, all attempts to reach the state command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, for reaction were unsuccessful.