Rescued Benue LG Chairman Recounts Harrowing Kidnapping Experience

The abducted Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, Nigeria, Rev. Gideon Haanongon, and his personal aides were freed after spending two weeks in captivity.

The successful rescue operation was carried out by the troops of the 72 Special Force Battalion under the 401 Special Brigade.

According to local sources, Haanongon, along with his Personal Assistant, driver, and police orderly, was kidnapped on January 13, 2024, while on his way to the burial of the late Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Benjamin Fezaanga Wonbo.

The incident occurred in Anyagba, Tongov, along the Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

The troops acted on a distress call and carried out a rescue mission, destroying three camps of the kidnappers in the process.

The rescued chairman was brought to the 72 Battalion barracks in Makurdi, where he was given first aid and food.

Upon his release, the chairman expressed his gratitude to the troops and shared details of his harrowing ordeal. Haanongon recounted the fear and uncertainty he and his aides experienced during their two-week captivity.

He also mentioned that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N50 million.

The successful rescue operation by the Nigerian military has been met with praise from the community and serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of its citizens.