Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mathew Abo, who was kidnapped few days back, has regained his freedom.
Abo, in a statement on Thursday, thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia and security agencies for ensuring his safe release.
He said: “I appreciate the efforts and prayers that have culminated in my release and reuniting with my family. I pray that my ordeal will lead to renewed efforts toward tacking both internal and external security challenges in the state.
“I, therefore, call on everyone to support government’s efforts and security agencies toward tacking insecurity.”
The commissioner also promised to serve the state to the best of his ability.
Abo was kidnapped on September 24 at his hometown in Zaki-Biam Local Government Area of the state. He was sworn in as a commissioner on August 29.
Governor Hyacinth Alia said no ransom was paid to secure Abo’s release. A statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, reads: “We can confirm that the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, has regained freedom. He has since reunited with his family in Sankera, Ukum Local Government Area. His release was as a result of intense pressure on the criminals from the gallant security operatives who acted on the directives of Governor Alia.”
The statement however said former Chairman of Ukum council, Washima Erukaa, and his cousin, are still in captivity
