- After securing control of the situation, the abductors forcibly took Abo with them on one of the motorcycles, leaving the whereabouts of his unknown
- The abductors reportedly made the commissioner sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles, while a gunman closely guarded him during their escape
On Sunday night, September 25, a distressing incident occurred in Benue state as the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, was abducted from his residence.
The unfortunate incident took place in Zaki-Biam, a rural town located in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state. Zaki-Biam is renowned for being home to the largest yam market in the country.
According to eyewitness accounts, the commissioner was taken by a group of gunmen who arrived on four motorcycles. They swiftly made their way to Abo’s house, where they ordered everyone present, including his wife and children, to lie face down.
After securing control of the situation, the abductors forcibly took Abo with them on one of the motorcycles, leaving the whereabouts of his unknown.
The abductors reportedly made the commissioner sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles, while a gunman closely guarded him during their escape.
As news of the abduction spread, authorities were alerted and efforts were immediately launched to locate and rescue Commissioner Matthew Abo.
The Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, confirmed the incident, highlighting the seriousness with which the government is taking this matter.
“Unfortunately, he (commissioner) was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, around 8pm on, Sunday, September 24, 2023. He was in his home with his family, children and his people when the armed men came in. They forced him to a bike. We received the unfortunate development and His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia has already directed and detailed the security operatives to ensure his safe release from the kidnappers den,” he said.