Kidnappers who abducted the Caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state, Rev. Gideon Haanongo, are demanding the sum of N50 million as ransom before he can be freed.

State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Orientation, Hon. Matthew Abo, confirmed the demands from the family of their victim but could not verify the amount.

The council boss, Rev. Haanongo was kidnapped early hours of Saturday, January 13, 2024, around Anyagba, Tongov Katsina-Ala local government area on his way to attend the funeral of Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Benjamin Wombo.

He was abducted alongside his Special Assistant on Administration, Mr. Silas Yuhwam, his driver and police orderly.

It would be recalled the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia had appealed to the abductors to release the chairman and turn a new leaf as he was ready to pardon them and reintegrate them back to the society.

The source who disclosed the said amount of Ransome demanded by the abductors, described the demand as rather outrageous.