Gunmen Abduct LG Chair, Three Aides

The Caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, Haanongon Gideon, alongside three of his aides were on Saturday, abducted by gunmen.

The aides are; his personal assistant, Mr. Ior Yuhwam, his driver, and a police officer.

They were said to have been kidnapped around 6.30 am along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.

A press statement from the council secretary, Jonathan Modi, confirmed the abduction of the caretaker chairman and three others.

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 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 6:30am, while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount Ruler of Katsina Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.”

Corroborating the council secretary, the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, also confirmed the abduction of the chairman.

He said, “It’s true he was abducted, I cannot say much now because I am at a funeral in Katsina-Ala.”