Gunmen have abducted two visually impaired persons, a man and a woman, in Plateau State, demanding N50 million for their release after attacking a vehicle conveying nine passengers in Riyom Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly travelling from Benue State to Jos alongside seven other passengers when the vehicle was intercepted by the gunmen at about 8pm on Monday. While seven occupants managed to escape during the attack, the assailants seized the two persons and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Plateau State, Shindol Aaron, confirmed the incident, explaining that the victims had travelled to Benue for a training programme but decided to return to Jos after receiving information that the event had been postponed.
According to him, the passengers were on their way back to Jos when they encountered the kidnappers, who abducted two occupants and allowed the remaining seven to escape. He said, “They were nine in the vehicle. Seven of them escaped, and two were abducted. So, right now, we have a male and a lady in their custody.”
Aaron disclosed that the abductors had contacted someone in connection with the incident, although he had yet to establish direct communication with them. He added that the association had reported the abduction to security agencies and was working with relevant authorities to secure the victims’ release.
Another member of the association, Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, disclosed that the kidnappers had demanded N50 million as ransom for the release of the two victims. He expressed concern over the difficulty of raising such a huge amount, particularly given the vulnerable circumstances of the abducted persons.
“The kidnappers have reached out, and they are demanding N50 million before they can free the two persons in their custody. Where do they want us to get the money from?” he queried.
Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred, for confirmation and comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
