Gunmen operating in Plateau State have kidnapped two visually impaired persons along the Riyom Local Government Area axis and demanded N50 million for their release.
The victims—a man and a woman—were part of a nine-member delegation travelling back to Jos from Benue State when their vehicle was ambushed by armed men around 8:00 pm on Monday. Seven other passengers managed to escape during the chaos.
Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JNAPWD), Shindol Aaron, explained that the group had traveled to Benue State for a training program.
Upon arriving, they learned that the event had been postponed, prompting them to begin the journey back to Jos before running into the ambush.
”The kidnappers took the male and female passengers, while the other seven occupants managed to flee during the attack,” Aaron stated, adding that the matter has been formally reported to security agencies for immediate intervention.
Detailing the abductors’ demands, another member of the association, Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted a liaison and demanded N50 million as a condition for the victims’ release.
Expressing deep concern over the exorbitant demand, Danjatau questioned how the association or the families of the victims could possibly raise such a massive sum.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, for an official statement were unsuccessful.
