PDP chieftain kidnapped in Benue

A Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Ben Akile, has been kidnapped by gunmen along Zaki Biam – Katsina Ala road in Benue state.

Our correspondent gathered that Akile was abducted on Sunday while on his way from Zaki Biam to Katsina Ala town for a PDP zonal meeting with Senator representing Benue North East district, Gabriel Suswam.

It was learnt that the meeting held at the instance of Suswam basically to discuss and find possible solutions to insecurity bedevilling the district as the zone had become notorious for unnecessary killings and kidnapping including the recent abduction of a mother of an African Independent Television, (AIT) editor, Steve Ayua, who was released after undisclosed ransom was paid.

Witnesses said the abducted party chieftain travelled with some PDP supporters in a vehicle belonging to the State PDP legal Adviser, Barr. Clement Mue, adding that they were waylaid by the gunmen who shot at them from the bush, robbed them of cash and other valuables before taking Akile away.

The state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Bemgba Iortyom, who confirmed the incident, said the family told him that the kidnappers have opened discussion with them and are demanding for N50 million ransom.

As at the time our reporter filed this report, the Police spokesperson in the state,  DSP. Catherine Anene, was yet to confirm the incident as she did not respond to calls put through her telephone.