Gunmen kidnap Benue LG chairman, three others

Gunmen kidnap Benue LG chairman, three others

Unknown gunmen have abducted the Caretaker Chairman of  Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, Haanongon Gideon, and three others.

According to a report by Punch, the chairman, alongside his personal assistant,  Lor Yuhwam, his driver, and a police officer were kidnapped while on their way to the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.

Confirming the incident in a press statement, the council secretary, Jonathan Modi, stated that they were abducted along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state around 6.30 am, on Saturday, January 13.

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 Lor  Yuhwam, his driver and police officer.

“The ugly incident took place this morning, along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala LGA, of Benue State, around 6:30 am, while on their way to attend the burial of the paramount Ruler of Katsina Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.”

The council further urged the residents of the LG to remain calm and be law-abiding, assuring them that measures are being taken to ensure the victims’ freedom.

However,  the state police command hasn’t publicly confirmed the attack as at the time of filing this report.

Abductions and killings have been persistent issues in Benue state and the ripple effects have crippled some activities in the state, displacing thousands of residents.