The Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, has been abducted by gunmen from his residence in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of the state on Sunday night.

The commissioner was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29th, 2023. He hails from Ukum local government area which has been a major flashpoint of criminal activities.

Witnesses said the commissioner was abducted by gunmen who rode on four motorcycles to his house in Zaki-Biam. The gunmen ordered everyone, including his wife and children to lie face down, after which they took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.

The Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, confirmed the incident, saying that, “Unfortunately, he (commissioner) was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, around 8pm on, Sunday, September 24, 2023.

“He was in his home with his family, children and his people when the armed men came in. They forced him to a bike.

“We received the unfortunate development and His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia has already directed and detailed the security operatives to ensure his safe release from the kidnappers den.”