The abductors of Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo, have reportedly demanded a ransom of N60 million.
TrackNews Media reports that the abductors made the demand in a phone call to a member of the family, according to a source who pleaded anonymity.
This publication learnt that the kidnappers have also resorted to torturing the Commissioner to press home their demands.
“They called and placed their phone on loud so that their beating of the commissioner and his cries for help could be heard,” New Telegraph cited a source.
Recall that the kidnappers, at 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 24th, 2023, stormed the commissioner’s residence on four motorcycles and ordered everyone in the house, including his wife and children, to lie face down. They later took him to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.
Reacting, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, condemned the abduction and directed security operatives to go after the gunmen.
The abduction took place barely a month after Abo was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29th, 2023.
