Unknown gunmen have reportedly abducted the Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo.

We gathered that Abo was abducted from his residence in his hometown in the Zaki-Biam community of Ukum Local Government Area of the state on Sunday night.

According to Daily Trust, the commissioner was abducted by gunmen who rode on four motorcycles to his house in Zaki-Biam, a rural town famous for being the largest yam market in the country.

It was gathered that the gunmen arrived at Abo’s residence, and ordered everyone, including his wife and children, to lie face down, after which they took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.

According to a former media aide to two ex-governors of the state, Tahav Agerzua, the abductors compelled the commissioner at gunpoint to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sandwiched him.

Kula Tersoo, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, confirmed the kidnap of the commissioner to to Daily Trust.

He said: “Unfortunately, he (commissioner) was kidnapped in his country home in Ukum LGA, around 8pm on, Sunday, September 24, 2023.

“He was in his home with his family, children and his people when the armed men came in. They forced him to a bike.

“We received the unfortunate development, and His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia has already directed and detailed the security operatives to ensure his safe release from the kidnappers’ den.”