Council Chair, Police Orderly, Two Others Abducted in Benue

George Okoh in Makurdi

The Caretaker Chairman of the Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, Rev. Haanongon Gideon, and three others have been reportedly kidnapped around the Tongov axis of the Kastina-Ala area of the state.

Locals said that the council chairman was whisked away alongside his Personal Assistant on Administration, Ior Silas Yuhwam, his driver and police orderly.

It was gathered that the incident happened about 6:30 am on Saturday along Anyagba, Tongov while they were on their way to attend the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina-Ala LGA, the Ter Katsina-Ala, HRH Chief Fezaanga Wombo.

The police had yet to comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report but local government authorities confirmed the abduction.

A press release by Jonathan Modi, the Secretary of Ukum Local Government Council, indicated that the chairman and three others were abducted.

Modi stated: “The Ukum Local Government Area Executive Council is with dismay to announce the kidnapping of the Council Chairman, Hon. Rev. Haanongon Gideon, alongside his PA on Administration, Mr. Ior Silas Yuhwam, his driver and police orderly.

“The ugly incident took place this morning, along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala LGA, of Benue State, around 6:30 am, while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount Ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, HRH Chief Fezaanga Wombo.

“The council hereby advised all her citizens to remain calm and be law-abiding while measures are in place to make sure the chairman regains his freedom.”

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state police command, Catherine Anene, said she was yet to receive information about the incident.

“I have not been briefed on this incident, please,” Anene said.