The Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, Rev. Haanongon Gideon has been reportedly kidnapped alongside his Personal Assistant, driver and Police orderly, by unknown armed men.
It was gathered that the Council Chairman and his team were abducted Saturday morning at about 6:30 am after they ran into an ambush by the armed men along the busy Katsina-Ala- Zaki Biam road.
They were said to be on their way to Katsina-Ala for the burial ceremony of the traditional ruler of the area when they ran into the armed men.
A statement by the Secretary of the Council, Jonathan Modi, confirming the development read; “the Ukum LGA Executive Council, is with dismay announcing the kidnapping of the Council Chairman Rev. Haanongon Gideon alongside his PA on Administration, Mr. Ior Silas Yuhwam, his driver and police orderly.
“The ugly incident took place this (Saturday) 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 LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, HRH Chief Fezaanga Wombo.
“The Council hereby, advised all her citizens to remain calm and be law-abiding, while measures are in place to make sure the chairman regains his freedom.
Confirming the development the Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Matthew Abo who hails from that axis of the state said: “It is true he was abducted, I can not say much now because I am at a funeral in Katsina-Ala.”
