Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo, who was kidnapped few days back, has regained his freedom.
Abo in a statement issued on Thursday in Jos, thanked Gov. Hyacinth Alia and the security agencies for ensuring his safe release.
” I appreciate all the effort and prayers that have culminated in my release and subsequent reuniting with my family
” I pray that my ordeal will lead to renewed efforts toward tacking both internal and external security challenges in the state.
”I, therefore, call on all residents of the state to support government efforts and the security agencies toward tacking insecurity in the state,” Abo called.
The Commissioner, who thanked his colleagues, family members, friends and staff of his ministry for their fervent prayers, promised to serve the state to the best of his ability.
He called on the residents to pray for the success of the current administration in the state, adding that the Alia-led administration means well for the state.
Agbo, who spent ten days in captivity, was kidnapped on September 24 at his hometown in Zaki-Biam Local Government Area of the state.
Agbo was sworn in as a member of the Benue Executive Council on August 29.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has said no ransom or any monetary exchanges were involved in securing the release of his Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo.
A statement on Thursday signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula in Makurdi stated that no ransom or monetary exchanges were involved in securing his safe release.
“We can confirm that the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, has regained freedom. He has since reunited with his family in Sankera, Ukum Local Government Area where he was abducted.
“His release was as a result of intense pressure on the criminals from the gallant security operatives who were acting on the directives of Gov. Hyacinth Alia, who had earlier given marching orders to them to ensure Mr. Abo’s release,” he said.
The statement further disclosed that the kidnappers were still holding the former Chairman, Ukum LGA, Mr Washima Erukaa and his cousin who discreetly went to negotiate with them for the release of Mr Erukaa but were also kidnapped.
The former chairman was kidnapped at a different location and date.
Governor Alia, who welcomed back the commissioner, further warned criminals operating within the state to leave for good, insisting that they would not be tolerated in any form.
The governor commended the security operatives for ensuring the safe release of the commissioner and tasked them to ensure the safe release of the remaining captives.
He charged the security operatives to be ruthless on criminals and ensure that they have no room to operate in the state.
Gunmen came on four motorcycles about 8:00 p.m., ordered everyone in the house, including the commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down and took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles. (NAN)
