Troops join search for abducted Benue Commissioner

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have joined in the search of the abducted Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon Mathew Abo.

Abo was on last Sunday kidnapped by some gunmen who invaded his house at Zaki Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

A family source disclosed that the suspected kidnappers opened contact with the family on Friday and demanded N60 million ransom.

Nigerian Tribune on Saturday reliably gathered that a serious search was on to ensure the release of the Commissioner.

A military source told our correspondent that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke OPWS, in collaboration with heads of other sister security agencies were on top of the situation.

The source who did not want to be mentioned because he is not authorized to speak on the operation said, “Officers and men of OPWS and other security agencies have been charged to work assiduously towards ensuring that they rescue the kidnapped Commissioner from the hands of his abductors.

The source further said, “Heads of other security agencies in concert with the Force Commander, OPWS, Major General Sunday Igbinowanhia have vowed that they would not rest on their oars until the Honourable Commissioner regains his freedom.

On the demand for ransom by the kidnappers, the military officer explained that the OPWS and indeed the military do not negotiate with terrorists and bandits.

He said, “Our men are already combing the surrounding area and forests and in no distant future, you will hear good news.

“We are doing everything in conjunction with other security agencies in the Joint Operations Area to rescue the Hon Commissioner.

Details of our efforts cannot be divulged for obvious reasons.”

Meanwhile, the State Command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene confirmed that the operation in search of the abducted commissioner was a joint one.

“It is a joint operation in search of the abducted commissioner which involved the military, we are all together,” Anene said.

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