The abductors of Rev. Gideon Haanongon, Chairman of Ukum Local Government Council in Benue State, have reportedly demanded a ransom of N50 million for his release. A reliable source, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed this information to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday.
Rev. Gideon was kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday around Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area while en route to attend the funeral of Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Benjamin Fezaanga Wombo. Accompanying him were his Special Assistant on Administration, Mr. Silas Ior Yuhwam, his driver, and a police orderly.
Regarding the ransom demand, the State Commissioner for Information, Matthew Abo, stated in a telephone conversation, “I heard that the kidnappers are demanding a certain amount of money, though I cannot authenticate the veracity of the rumour. I cannot state categorically, but the State government has mobilized security operatives who are working hard to rescue the chairman.”
Governor Hyacinth Alia, addressing the situation during the funeral in Katsina-Ala on Saturday, expressed concern about the persistent security challenges in the Sankera axis, which includes Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Logo areas. He appealed to the kidnappers to release Rev. Gideon, assuring them that his government would assist them in becoming productive members of society.
