Kidnapped Benue Commissioner tortured as abductors demand N60m ransom
The abductors of Mr Matthew Abo the Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism have asked for a N60 million ransom to free him.
Recall that the Commissioner was kidnapped from his home in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of the state by armed non-state actor who stormed his residence on motorbikes at about 8 pm on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula decried the kidnapped of the newly sworn-in Commissioner and member of the State Executive Council, SEC, demanding his unconditional release by his abductors.
Since whisking the Information Commissioner away, the armed men has not make any contact with his family.
They, however, reached out to the family on Friday to make definite demands for his release.
A former Special Adviser to the immediate past Governor of the state on Publicity and ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, announced the development.
According to Mr. Agerzua, “the gunmen demanded a ransom of N60million. They made the demand today (Friday) in a phone call to a member of the family.
“The recipient of the call who pleaded anonymity for security reasons stated that the kidnappers have resorted to torturing the commissioner to press home their demand.
“The source said they called and placed their phone on loud so that their beating of the commissioner and his cries for help could be heard.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, has not reacted to the development.
