Popular Commissioner Abducted by Gunmen

State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism Kidnapped by Gunmen.

In a shocking and distressing incident, the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Benue State, Mr. Matthew Abo, has been abducted by unidentified gunmen. The incident unfolded on Sunday night at approximately 10 pm when the armed assailants stormed the Commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, which serves as the headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area.

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Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the gunmen, arriving on four motorcycles, brazenly entered the commissioner’s house, discharging their firearms indiscriminately. They proceeded to order all occupants of the house, including Commissioner Abo’s wife and children, to lie face down. Subsequently, they forcefully took him away to an undisclosed location.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Sir Tersoo Kula, confirmed this alarming incident to Ejes Gist News on Monday. When contacted, Kula tersely stated, “Unfortunately, that is the news. Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism, Mr. Matthew Abo from Ukum LGA was kidnapped.”

Mr. Matthew Abo had been among the 17 Commissioners officially sworn in as members of the Benue State Executive Council just a month earlier, on August 29, 2023.

The abduction of a high-ranking government official like Commissioner Abo has sent shockwaves through Benue State and raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the region. As investigations continue, the government and security agencies are under increasing pressure to secure the safe release of the Commissioner and bring the perpetrators of this brazen act to justice.