Kidnapped Benue Information Commisioner Regains Freedom 

George Okoh in Makurdi

Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo, who was abducted from his residence in Zaki-Biam on Sunday, regained freedom early today.

Impeccable sources disclosed that his abductors released him in the early hours of Thursday and he has already reunited with his family.

The sources which did not state whether the N60 million or any money demanded as ransom was paid, said the Commissioner returned in good health.

He spent 10 days in captivity before freedom came his way.

His release could be attributed to intensified security operations, spirited negotiations, as well as prayers by individuals and groups.

Staff of the Benue State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism mounted concerted prayer sessions for the safe release of the Commissioner.

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who condemned the abduction, also directed the security agencies to ensure the release of the commissioner.

It could be recalled that gunmen invaded the house of the commissioner in four motorcycles Sunday September 24ordered 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.

Abo was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29.