Kidnappers of Benue LG chair demand N50m ransom

The kidnappers of Rev. Gideon Haanongon, caretaker chairman of Benue State‘s Ukum Local Government Area, have made contact with family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.

The chairman, together with his personal assistant, police officer, and driver, were kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday in Anyagba, Tongov Katsina-Ala LG, while on his way to the funeral of Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Benjamin Wombo.

The kidnappers sought N50 million, according to a family source who spoke on the condition of anonymity over the phone on Tuesday.

“The kidnappers called on Monday and asked one of the relatives of the chairman that they should be ready to pay N50 million if they still want to see their breadwinner,” the family source said.

The source couldn’t say whether the N50 million was for all four people or only the chairman.

When contacted, the state commissioner for information, Matthew Abo, acknowledged to our journalists over the phone on Tuesday that the kidnappers had made contact but declined to reveal the money sought.

Gunmen kidnap Benue LG chair, three aides

Abo, who also had a bad encounter with kidnappers last September, stated, “I heard that the kidnappers are demanding a certain amount of money, though I cannot authenticate the veracity of the rumor.

“I cannot state categorically, but the state government has mobilized security operatives who are working hard to rescue the chairman.”

The state governor, Hyacinth Alia, spoke at Ter Katsina-Ala’s burial last Saturday, pleading with the kidnappers to free the chairman and three other victims, stressing that his administration is ready to assist them in becoming valuable members of society.

When reached, Catherine Anene, the state public relations officer, stated that she was unaware of the chairman’s and three others’ abduction.