The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia on Thursday revealed that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mathew Abo.
Alia stated this in a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.
The governor said, “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 where he was abducted.
“His release was as a result of intense pressure on the criminals from the gallant security operatives who were acting on the directives of Gov. Hyacinth Alia, who had earlier given marching orders to them to ensure Mr Abo’s release.”
In the statement, it was also revealed that the kidnappers are still holding the former Chairman of Ukum LGA, Washima Erukaa, and his cousin who discreetly went to negotiate with them for the release of Mr Erukaa but was also kidnapped.
The former chairman was kidnapped at a different location and date.
Alia warned criminals operating within the state to leave for good, insisting that they would not be tolerated in any form.
The governor commended the security operatives for ensuring the safe release of the commissioner and tasked them to ensure the safe release of the remaining captives.
He charged the security operatives with being ruthless on criminals and ensuring that they had no room to operate in the state.
Abo who was kidnapped on September 24, spent 10 days in captivity before regaining his freedom.
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