PDP Chieftain Abducted In Benue

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ben Akile, has been kidnapped by gunmen along the Zaki Biam – Katsina Ala road in Benue State. Our correspondent gathered that Akile was abducted  while on his way from Zaki Biam to Katsina Ala town for a PDP zonal meeting with the senator representing Benue North-East zone, Gabriel Suswam It was learnt that the meeting held at the instance of Suswam, basically to discuss and find solution to insecurity bedevilling the zone as it has become notorious for killings and kidnapping. It would be recalled that the mother of an editor with African Independent Television (AIT) Steve Ayua, was kidnapped in the area recently and was released after an undisclosed amount was paid as ransom. Witnesses said the abducted party chieftain travelled with some PDP supporters in a vehicle belonging to the state PDP Legal Adviser, Barr. Clement Mue, and that they were waylaid by the gunmen who shot at them from the bush, robbed them of cash and other valuables before taking Akile away. The state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Bemgba Iortyom, who confirmed the incident, said the family told him that the kidnappers have opened discussion with them and were demanding N50 million ransom. At the time of sending this report, the state Police Public Relations Officer,   DSP. Catherine Anene, was yet to confirm the incident as she did not respond to calls put through to her.