The abductors of the caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, Rev. Haanongon Gideon, have reportedly contacted the family members and demanded a whooping sum of N50 million ransom for his freedom.
Gideon alongside three others were kidnapped on Saturday around the Tongov axis of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.
It was not immediately clear, as at the time of filing this report, whether the ransom demand was for only the council chairman or the three victims.
Sources in the area had said the council chairman was whisked away alongside his Personal Assistant on Administration, Ior Silas Yuhwam, his driver and police orderly at about 6:30am on Saturday along Anyagba in Tongov of Katsina Ala LGA of the state while they were on their way to attend the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina Ala LGA, the Ter Katsina Ala, HRH Chief Fezaanga Wombo.
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A family source who did not want his name in print told journalists in Makurdi yesterday that the abductors of the chairman are demanding the sum of N50million for his release.
Also, multiple sources confirmed to our correspondent that the kidnappers are demanding N50million as ransom.
The state Commissioner for Information, Matthew Abo, however, told journalists on phone that the abductors of the council chairman were asking for ransom but he could not ascertain the amount.
Abo said, “I heard that the kidnappers are demanding a certain amount of money though I cannot authenticate the veracity of the rumour.
“I cannot state categorically but the state government has mobilised security operatives who are working hard to rescue the chairman.”
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia while speaking at the funeral of the deceased traditional ruler in Katsina-Ala on Saturday, decried the lingering security situation in the Sankera axis, comprising Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Logo LGAs.
The governor had pleaded with the kidnappers to release Rev. Gideon, the council chairman, promising that his government would be ready to assist them to be useful to society.
The local government in a statement also confirmed the abduction of the chairman.
A press release by Jonathan Modi, the Secretary of Ukum Local Government Council, indicated that the chairman and three others were abducted.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Command, SP Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive information about the incident.
