Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have joined in the search to rescue the abducted Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mathew Abo.
A source among the troops disclosed this to our correspondent on Saturday, adding that they are working in collaboration with heads of other sister security agencies who were on top of the situation.
“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 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 Honourable Commissioner regains his freedom,” the source stated.
On the demand for ransom by the kidnappers, the military officer added that the OPWS and indeed the military do not negotiate with terrorists and bandits.
He added, “Our men are already combing the surrounding area and forests and in no distant future, you will hear good news. Details of our efforts cannot be divulged for obvious reasons.”
The commissioner was kidnapped last Sunday from his country home in Zaki Biam in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
A family source had on Friday told journalists that Abo’s abductors demanded a ransom of N60 million.
Meanwhile, the state Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, said,
“It is a joint operation in search of the abducted commissioner which involved the military, we are all together.”
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