The kidnappers of Mathew Abo, the Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, have demanded a ransom of N60 million for his release. Abo was abducted from his home in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, on Sunday night by armed men who stormed his residence on motorbikes.
According to a family member who received a phone call from the abductors on Friday, the kidnappers have been torturing Abo to press home their demand. The source said they could hear the commissioner’s cries for help as the kidnappers beat him mercilessly.
The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the kidnapping and called for the unconditional release of Abo, who was sworn in as a member of the State Executive Council on August 29th. The governor also urged the security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the commissioner and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The kidnapping of Abo has raised concerns over the security situation in Benue State, which has been plagued by communal clashes, banditry and herdsmen attacks in recent times.
The state government has appealed to the federal government to deploy more troops and equipment to restore peace and order in the state.
