The Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, was kidnapped by some gunmen on Sunday night September 24, 2023, in his residence.

The unfortunate incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. that night at his country home in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Commissioner was at home with his family members when the gunmen came on four motorcycles and found their way into his living room to cart him away.

An eyewitness said, “The kidnappers came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house including the commissioner’s wife and children to lie face down, and took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.

“The abductors forced the commissioner to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sandwiched him.
Abo was among the 17 commissioners sworn in on August 29, 2023, by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kula Tersoo, confirmed the abduction of the commissioner.

He said, “Yes he was kidnapped. Unfortunately, he was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, around 8 pm on, Sunday, September 24, 2023.

“He was 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.”