Haanongon Gideon, the caretaker chairman of Benue State‘s Ukum Local Government Area, has been kidnapped along with three of his aides by gunmen.
Gideon was reportedly abducted at Anyagba, Tongov, in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
He was reportedly on his way to attend the burial of Katsina-Ala LG’s paramount monarch, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Fezaanga Wombo, when he was captured by gunmen.
His personal assistant, Ior Yuhwam, his chauffeur, and a police officer are all claimed to have been kidnapped with him.
In a press statement, Council Secretary Jonathan Modi confirmed the abduction, saying: “The Ukum Local Government Area Executive Council announced the kidnapping of the Council Chairman, Haanongon Gideon, along with his PA on Administration, Mr. Ior Yuhwam, his driver, and a police officer.”
“The ugly incident took place this morning, along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala LGA, of Benue State, around 6:30am, while on their way to attend the burial of the paramount Ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.”