The Caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, Haanongon Gideon, along with three of his aides, was abducted on Saturday morning by unknown gunmen.
The incident reportedly occurred in Anyagba, Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state, as Gideon was en route to the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.
Those kidnapped, along with the chairman, include his Personal Assistant, Mr. Ior Yuhwam, his driver, and a police officer.
The Council Secretary, Jonathan Modi, confirmed the abduction in a terse press statement, providing details of the incident.
It read: “The Ukum Local Government Area Executive Council announces the kidnap of the Council Chairman, Rev. Haanongon Gideon, alongside his PA on Administration, Mr Ior 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 the way to attend the burial of the paramount Ruler of Katsina-Ala LGA, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.”
The Ukum Local Government Area Executive Council expressed concern over the incident and called for prompt and decisive action by security agents to ensure the safe release of the abducted individuals.
Security operatives in the state, however, say the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and the identity of the perpetrators are currently under investigation.
