By Cletus Opukeme
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Matthew Abo, has regained freedom.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State sir Tersoo Kula confirmed the fresh development to newsmen.
He said the commissioner has since reunited with his family in Sankera, Ukum Local Government where he was abducted.
According to him, “No ransome or any other monetary exchanges were involved in securing his release. Rather, 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””
He however, added that the criminals are still in custody of the former Chairman Ukum LGA, Mr. Washima Erukaa and his cousin who it was learnt discreetly went to negotiate with the kidnappers and was also kidnapped.
That the state governor,His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who has welcomed back the Commissioner, has warned criminals operating within the state to leave for good, insisting that they will not be tolerated in any form.
The Governor appreciated the security operatives for the feat, charging them to continue their actions in order to get the remaining captives released.
He charged the security operatives to be ruthless on criminals, ensuring they have no room to operate in the state.