Governor Hyacinth Alia has appealed to the kidnappers of the caretaker chairman of Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, Gideon Haanongon, and three others to release them unconditionally.

Mr Alia appealed on Saturday, during a funeral oration for Ter (paramount ruler) Katsina-Ala, Fezanga Wombo, at the Akume Atongo Stadium, Katsina-Ala LGA of the State.

Mr Haanongon, his orderly, driver and personal assistant, were kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday, while on their way to attend the funeral ceremony of the late traditional ruler.

Mr Alia called for the immediate release of the kidnapped chairman and those with him.

The governor said his administration was ready to engage the youths to be useful in society if they refrained from criminal activities.

He decried the spate of killings and kidnappings in the area by bandits and warned that his administration would not condone such nefarious acts.

Mr Alia called on serving and former lawmakers and other prominent sons of Sankara to convene an emergency meeting to offer lasting solutions to the insecurity in the area. He assured that their recommendations would be implemented when forwarded to him.

The governor also urged traditional leaders to put heads together to proffer lasting solutions to the challenges bedevilling the area. He said his administration was determined to ensure peace returned to Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala LGAs, and the entire state.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, called for collective responsibility to move the state forward.

The SGF pledged the federal government’s commitment to ensuring peace in Benue for efficient development.

(NAN)