Indications have emerged that the abductors of the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, Rev. Gideon Haanongon, are demanding a ransom of N50 million for his release.

Recall that the chairman was ambushed and abducted on Saturday morning, along with his personal assistant, driver, and police orderly, by unknown armed men at Anyagba, Tongov, along the Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam road in Katsina-Ala LGA.

A family source who spoke on condition of anonymity told newsmen Tuesday that the chairman’s abductors had opened negotiations with his family members to secure his release.

According to him, “From what we have seen so far, his abductors are members of a local bandit. They have started discussing this with his family, and they are demanding a million ransom for his release.

“The information I have is that the discussion is still ongoing, and we are praying and hoping that it will end well and they will be released in no time.

“We also heard that the state government is working hard to have him released, but we do not know if the government will pay the ransom or not.”

Contacted, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr Matthew Abo, confirmed the development, saying, “I heard that the kidnappers are demanding a certain amount of money, though I cannot authenticate the veracity of the rumour.

“I cannot also state categorically, but the state government has mobilised security operatives who are working hard to rescue the chairman.”

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, could not be reached for her reaction. (Vanguard)