Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) is conducting a military operation in quest of abducted Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Hon. Mathew Abo.
Recalls that last Sunday, Hon. Abo was abducted by gunmen who broke into his home in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State.
A family source revealed that his kidnappers contacted the family and demanded N60 million in extortion.
The Hon Abo’s release from the captors’ lair is the subject of an intensive search, according to credible reports.
It was also learned that Operation Whirl Stroke OPWS troops, in conjunction with the leaders of other sister security agencies, had the situation under control.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Suswam declared winner of Benue N’East senatorial election
The source who spoke under anonymity said, “Officers and men of OPWS and other security agencies have been charged to work assiduously towards ensuring that they rescue the kidnapped Commissioner from the hands of his abductors.”
The source further said, “Heads of other security agencies in concert with the Force Commander, OPWS, Major General Sunday Igbinowanhia have vowed that they would not rest on their oars until the Hon Aboh regains his freedom.”
On the speculation that his abductors are demanding for ransom, the military officer said that the OPWS do not negotiate with insurgents and bandits.
He said, “Our men are already combing the surrounding area and forests and in no distant future, you will hear good news.
“We are doing everything in conjunction with other security agencies in the Joint Operations Area to rescue the Hon Aboh.”
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed that the operation in search of the kidnapped commissioner was a combined one.
“It is a joint operation in search of the abducted commissioner which involved the military, we are all together,” Anene said.