The Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State’s Caretaker Chairman, Haanongon Gideon, along with three other individuals were kidnapped by gunmen early on Saturday.
The state’s Katsina-Ala Local Government Area’s paramount ruler, Chief Fezaanga Wombo, was buried at Anyagba, Tongov, and it was said that the chairman was abducted there at around 6.30 in the morning.
Together with him were his chauffeur, a police officer, and his personal assistant, Mr. Ior Yuhwam.
Nonetheless, the kidnapping of the acting chairman and three other individuals was verified by a news release issued by council secretary Jonathan Modi.
The statement read in parts, “The Ukum Local Government Area Executive Council announces the kidnap of the Council Chairman, Rev. Haanongon Gideon, alongside his PA on Administration, Mr Ior Yuhwam, his driver and police officer.
“The ugly incident took place this morning, along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala LGA, of Benue State, around 6:30am, while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount Ruler of Katsina Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.”
The statement assured everyone in the local government that steps are being made to ensure the victims’ freedom and urged everyone to maintain composure and obey the law.
Matthew Abo, the state’s commissioner for information, culture, and tourism, also attested to the chairman’s kidnapping.
“It’s true he was abducted, but I’m at a funeral in Katsina-Ala right now, so I can’t say much,” he remarked.
In September 2023, gunmen also kidnapped the state’s Commissioner for Information, who was born in the same local government unit.
SP Catherine Anene, a spokesman for the state command, asserted that she had not yet received a briefing.