October 05, (THEWILL) – The Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Benue State, Mr Matthew Abo, who was abducted at his residence in Zaki-Biam on Sunday, September 24, has regained freedom from his abductors.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, he expressed gratitude to God, Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr. Hyacinth Alia, his colleagues, security agencies and others for his release from 10 days of captivity.
“I appreciate all the efforts and prayers that have culminated in my safe release and reunion with my family and society. I wish that my ordeal will lead to renewed efforts to tackle both internal and external security challenges in the State and I call for the cooperation of everyone in the task ahead.
“May I assure that I remain determined, more than ever, to effectively utilise the platform, which Governor Alia has offered to me to serve the people of the State as a member of the Benue State Executive Council with renewed vigour,” he said.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to the entire staff of the Ministry and its parastatals as well as others within and outside the State for the unrelenting prayers and encouraged them to continue to pray for his success and that of the entire Alia Administration.
Reacting to the development, Governor Hycinth Alia said he has since reunited with his family in Sankara, Ukum Local Government, where he was abducted.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement, said no ransom or any other monetary exchanges were involved in securing his release.
“Rather, his release was as a result of intense pressure on the criminals from the gallant security operatives who were acting on the directives of Governor Alia, who had earlier given marching orders to them to ensure Mr. Abo’s release,” he said.
The statement added that the former Chairman of Ukum Local Government area, Mr. Washima Erukaa and his cousin, who it was learnt discreetly went to negotiate with the kidnappers and was also kidnapped, are still in their custody.
“His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who has welcomed back the Commissioner, has warned criminals operating within the State to leave for good, insisting that they will not be tolerated in any form,” he added.
The statement quotes the Governor as acknowledging the security operatives for the feat, charging them to continue their actions in order to get the remaining captives released.
He also charged the security operatives to be ruthless on criminals, ensuring they have no room to operate in the State.
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