Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, has described the kidnap of the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, as barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement on Monday by his spokesman, Tersoo Kula, the governor also condemned the abduction of former Chairman Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, Iorwashima Erukaa.
The governor’s spokesman added that Governor Alia has already detailed security agencies to commence operations immediately to ensure the safe release of the duo.
Kula stated that the governor has called on the people of the state to remain calm, as his administration will do everything to make the state safe for all.
The statement reads: “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 8 pm, Sunday, September 24th, 2023, Mr. Erukaa was also taken away by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.
The kidnappers who took the duo to yet-to-be-identified locations, have made contact with the family of Erukaa but are yet to make contact 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.”
