The abductors of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State Chairman, Rev. Gideon Haanongon, has contacted the family, demanding N50 million ransom.
Recall that the chairman was, abducted alongside his personal assistant, police orderly and driver around Anyagba, Tongov Katsina-Ala LG on his way to attend the funeral of Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Benjamin Wombo, on Saturday, January 13.
Following this, a source close to the family, in a telephone interview with Punch on Tuesday, disclosed that the abductors demanded N50 million for the LGA Chair and others release.
The source said, “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 source could not establish if the N50 million was the ransom for the four people or the chairman alone.
However, the state Commissioner for Information, Matthew Abo, also confirmed that the kidnappers had opened contact but declined to disclose the amount being demanded.
Abo, said, “I heard that the kidnappers are demanding certain amount of money, though I cannot authenticate the veracity of the rumour.
“I cannot state categorically but the state government has mobilised security operatives who are working hard to rescue the chairman.”
