- Described the act as barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable
- Assures of safety for the people of Benue state
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the abduction of the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Matthew Abo, and former Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Mr Iorwashina Eurkaa, by unknown gunmen.
He assured that the state government and security agencies were working to rescue them from the kidnappers’ den.
Abo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in his Sankara home at about 8 pm on Sunday while Erukaa was abducted on Saturday.
The kidnappers, who took the duo to yet-to-be-identified locations, have made contact with the family of Erukaa but are yet to contact Abo’s family.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor described the act as barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable.
Kula said the governor has already detailed security agencies to immediately commence operations to ensure the safe release of the duo.
The statement further said the governor also called on the people of the state to remain calm, as his administration will do everything to make the state safe for all.
In another development, President Tinubu, on Sunday, directed security agencies to rescue the remaining female students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, who were abducted by terrorists.
WITHIN NIGERIA had reported that bandits invaded the University on Friday morning and abducted an unspecified number of students from three off-campus hostels.
Troops of the Nigerian Army engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, but they managed to escape with the victims.
According to the President’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu condemned what he called the “reprehensible act of abduction.”
He said there was no moral justification for such heinous crimes against innocent victims whose only “offense” was their pursuit of quality education.
The president, who commiserated with all families directly impacted by the “sad incident”, said his administration had a solemn duty to protect every Nigerian citizen.
He assured the families of the abducted students that no effort would be spared in ensuring their safe return in line with the commitment of his administration.
Tinubu promised that the federal government was determined to ensure that educational institutions remained sanctuaries of knowledge, growth, and opportunity, and totally free from the menacing acts of terrorists.
However, police authorities in Zamfara have confirmed the rescue of seven of the abducted students.
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