Image illustration of gun men
The recently freed chairman of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, Rev. Gideon Haanongon, shared his harrowing experience after being released on Wednesday, January 24. Haanongon and his personal assistant, who were held captive in a kidnappers’ den for approximately two weeks, were rescued by troops from the 72 Special Force Battalion under the command of Brig. Gen. A. Rabiu, part of the 401 Special Brigade, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area between 5 and 6 pm.
Responding to a distress call, the troops conducted a successful rescue mission, dismantling three kidnappers’ camps in the process. Following the rescue, Haanongon was brought to the barracks in Makurdi, where he received first aid and food, with the troops confirming his good condition.
Narrating his ordeal, Rev. Haanongon explained that on the day of the incident, he was en route to attend the burial of the late Ter Katsina-Ala when he encountered armed individuals shooting randomly, resulting in a fatality. Instructing his driver to stop, they were immediately taken into the bush by the assailants, who covered his face throughout the captivity.
Recounting the challenging conditions, Haanongon revealed that he lost track of time, as the captors kept them in a thatched house without ventilation. Despite daily military interventions, the kidnappers evaded detection by maneuvering through the bush, relocating Haanongon and his assistant repeatedly.
At one point, the captors informed Haanongon that the persistent military pressure was due to his presence and claimed that the governor had appealed for his release, promising forgiveness. Eventually, on Wednesday at 8 pm, they crossed a stream, walked a considerable distance, and removed the blindfold, instructing him to take a path towards Zaki-Biam. Recognizing Tse Wombo, a village where his daughter is married, Haanongon expressed gratitude for the military’s unwavering efforts and acknowledged the role played by Lt. Col. Alexander Igbaya Ashungu (rtd), the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Security Adviser Ashungu praised the military’s determination in securing the chairman’s release and assured that Governor Alia was actively working to curb criminal activities in the state. He disclosed ongoing government initiatives, including stakeholder meetings to address criminalities, and highlighted the military’s successful rescue of over 13 recent kidnap victims.