Percy Onyeka
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have joined in the search for the abducted Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon Mathew Abo.
A source in the operation disclosed this to newsmen on Saturday, adding that troops were in collaboration with heads of other sister security agencies.
The source who did not want to be mentioned because he was not authorised to speak on the operation 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 added, “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 commissioner regains his freedom.
On the demand for ransom by the kidnappers, the military officer explained that the OPWS and indeed the military do not negotiate with terrorists 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 Commissioner.
“Details of our efforts cannot be divulged for obvious reasons.”
Recall that a family source told journalists on Friday that the abductors were demanding N60 million ransom.
Abo was kidnapped last Sunday in his country home, Zaki Biam in the Ukum local government area of the state.
The state police command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene confirmed that the search operation was a joint one.
“It is a joint operation in search of the abducted commissioner which involved the military, we are all together,” according to Anene
Techrectory with Agency Report.
