Unknown gunmen kidnap Benue commissioner for information

The Benue government has confirmed the kidnap of information commissioner Matthew Aboh.

Mr Aboj was abducted on Sunday evening at about 8:00 p.m.

The chief press secretary to the governor, Tersoo Kula, confirmed this on Monday.

Mr Kula said Governor Hyacinth Alia was aware of the situation and had directed security operatives to ensure his safe release.

“Yes, we received the unfortunate news, and the governor has already detailed security operatives to do everything possible to ensure his safe release,” Mr Kula stated in a text message.

There were confirmed reports that several gunmen stormed the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, Ukum LGA and kidnapped him.

Witnesses stated that the kidnappers, who came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including the commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down before they whisked Mr Aboh away.

The witnesses said the gunmen forced the commissioner at gunpoint to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sat behind him.

Mr Aboh was sworn in as a commissioner on August 29.

He hails from Ukum LGA of the Sankera axis, a major crime flashpoint with rampant killings and kidnappings for years.

Meanwhile, the police spokesman in Benue Sewuese Anene said the command had yet to receive the kidnap report.