‘Kidnappers torturing Benue Commissioner to force payment of N60m ransom’

By Emmanuel Antswen

Kidnappers of Benue Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo, are torturing him to force his family to meet their ransom N60 million ransom demand to set him free, report said on Friday.

The kidnappers made the demand in a phone call to a member of the family on Friday, it was learnt from a member of the family.

The family source, the recipient of the call, name withheld for security reasons, said the “kidnappers have resorted to torturing the commissioner to press home for their demand”.

The source said they called and placed their phone on loudspeaker so that the beating of the commissioner and his cries for help could be heard.

The Commissioner was abducted by gunmen who invaded his residence in Zaki-Biam in Ukum LGA on 24th Sept. around 8 pm.

The kidnappers came on four motorcycles, and ordered everyone in the house, including the Commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down before they took away the victim.

The witnesses said the abductors compelled the commissioner to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles and sped away.

Gov Hyacinth Alia, in his reaction, has strongly condemned the abduction and directed security operatives to ensure the safe release of his Commissioner.

However, when asked if the kidnappers have made contact with either the family or government, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, simply said “Investigation is ongoing”.

(NAN)