The Benue state government has confirmed that unknown gunmen have abducted its Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Matthew Abo.
Kemi Filani learnt that the incident occurred on Sunday night at about 10 p.m. when the armed men invaded the Commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
On Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Sir Tersoo Kula, confirmed the unfortunate incident.
When contacted by our correspondent, the CPS simply said, “Unfortunately, that is the news. Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism, Mr Matthew Abo from Ukum LGA was kidnapped”.
An eye-witness said the gunmen, who invaded the area on four motorcycles, forcefully entered the Commissioner’s house, shooting sporadically.
The assailants ordered everyone in the house, including the Commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down, after which they whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Alia had earlier nominated Abo as one of the 17 Commissioners sworn in as a Benue State Executive Council member on August 29, 2023.
