Benue State's Commissioner of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, was abducted from his home in the Zaki-Biam community of Ukum Local Government Area on Sunday night. Abo, who was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29, 2023, was reportedly taken by gunmen who arrived at his residence on motorcycles.
According to witnesses, the gunmen ordered everyone, including Abo's wife and children, to lie face down before taking him away on one of the motorcycles. A gunman accompanied him on the ride.
Zaki-Biam has experienced a significant amount of criminal activity in recent times, and the incident has been reported to the police. The Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, confirmed the kidnapping and stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed security operatives to ensure Abo's safe release.
The abduction highlights the ongoing security challenges in some regions of Nigeria, with criminal elements often targeting individuals, including government officials, for ransom. Authorities are working to address these security concerns and protect residents from such incidents.
