Governor Appeals to Kidnappers to Release Local Government Chairman, Other Abductees

In a plea for clemency, Governor Hyacinth Alia has appealed to the kidnappers of Caretaker Chairman Gideon Haanongon and three others from Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) to release them unconditionally. The appeal was made during a funeral oration for the late paramount ruler, Fezanga Wombo, at the Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala LGA.

The victims, including Mr. Haanongon, his orderly, driver, and personal assistant, were abducted on their way to the funeral ceremony in the early hours of Saturday.

Governor Alia emphasized the readiness of his administration to engage youths positively if they abstain from criminal activities. Expressing concern over the rising incidents of killings and kidnappings, he sternly warned against such actions, affirming that his government would not tolerate such nefarious acts.

Calling for urgent action, Governor Alia urged serving and former lawmakers, along with prominent individuals from Sankara, to convene an emergency meeting to address the security challenges in the area. He assured prompt implementation of any recommendations to restore peace not only to Logo, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala LGAs but to the entire state.

The governor extended condolences to the family of the late Fezanga Wombo and encouraged them to find solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life.

Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Jack Gyado called for collective responsibility to propel the state forward. Akume pledged the federal government’s commitment to ensuring peace in Benue for efficient development.

Former Benue governor Gabriel Suswam urged the Sankara community to embrace peace and unity, emphasizing the need to eliminate criminality for the free movement of people and the revival of agricultural activities.

Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, the Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, called on the Benue people to intensify prayers for the state, the governor, and the Sankara community in his sermon.

Solomon Wombo, a son of the deceased and a lawmaker representing Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo Federal Constituency, appealed for peace in the constituency.

Despite the death of Terwase Akwaza, known as Gana, the kidnapping kingpin, peace continues to elude the Sankara area, comprising Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala LGAs.