Two visually impaired persons have been kidnapped by gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State while returning to Jos from Benue State.
The victims, a man and a woman, were among nine people travelling in a vehicle to attend a training programme in Benue. Seven others reportedly escaped when the gunmen attacked them on Monday night.
Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Shindol Aaron, confirmed the incident, saying it happened around 8pm.
He explained that the group had travelled from Jos for the training but received news that the programme had been postponed. They were returning home when they ran into the kidnappers.
According to Aaron, the abductors have contacted someone and are demanding money for the victims’ release. He said the matter had been reported to security agencies.
“We have reported the incident to the security agents, and we are trying to see how they could be released.”
“The driver of the vehicle also went to the police station to report.”
Another association member, Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, confirmed the abduction and disclosed that the kidnappers were demanding N50 million.
“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?”
Efforts to get a response from Plateau State Police Command spokesman, DSP Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
