Benue: Kidnapped Commissioner Regains Freedom, Appreciates God, Alia, Others For Prayers, Efforts Leading To His Release
TOR VANDE-ACKA
MAKURDI – Mathew Abo, the Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism that was kidnapped 10 days ago, regained his freedom in the early hours of Thursday.
Abo, who was abducted by some unknown gunmen over a week ago was taken to an unknown destination, until his release early this morning.
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The Commissioner has since issued a statement, in which he appreciated God, the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, security agencies and his colleagues for their prayers and efforts, which eventually led to his release.
However, as at the time of compiling this report, it was yet to be ascertained whether the N60 million ransom demanded by his captors was paid before he was released.
According to our sources, Abo who was returned in one piece has since been reunited with members of his family.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mathew Abo has appreciated God for being instrumental to his release.
In a statement personally signed by the Commissioner and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday, Abo also appreciated the efforts and prayers of the people of the state for God’s intervention.
He hopes that the trials and test that he went through in the hands of his abductors would bring about renewed efforts at tackling both internal and external security challenges in the state.
Abo said, “I, Hon Mathew Abo, Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, wish to express gratitude to God, Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr. Hyacinth Alia, my colleagues, security agencies and others for my 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 (you) that I remain determined more than ever to effectively utilize 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 vigor.
“I particularly express appreciation to the entire staff of my ministry and its parastatals as well as others within and outside the state for the unrelenting prayers and I enjoin them to continue to pray for my success and that of the entire Alia Administration, he appealed. End
