Two visually impaired individuals have been taken captive by unidentified gunmen within the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, while seven other passengers managed to escape the ambush. The victims were part of a group of nine travelers heading back to Jos after receiving word that an official training program in Benue State had been postponed. The assault occurred on Monday night, around 8 pm, as the vehicle navigated the Plateau terrain on its return journey.
Key facts from the incident include:
- Date and Time: Monday night at approximately 8 pm.
- Location: Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.
- Casualties: Two persons abducted (one male and one female), with seven others escaping unhurt.
- Ransom Demand: The abductors have contacted representatives to demand N50 million for the release of the captives.
How did the incident unfold?
Shindol Aaron, the chairman of the Plateau State branch of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), detailed that the delegation had initially set out from Jos to attend an organized workshop in Benue State. However, upon receiving intelligence en route that the program had been rescheduled, the travelers decided to turn back.
"They were selected to attend a training in Benue State and, from what I gathered, they took off from Jos," Aaron stated. "Along the way, they got information that the event had been postponed to another day, and they were asked to return to their station. So, it was on their way back to Jos that they encountered some kidnappers who abducted them."
According to Aaron, nine individuals were inside the transport vehicle when the attackers struck. While seven occupants successfully evaded the hoodlum's grip, the two visually impaired passengers were cornered and held captive. The driver of the vehicle subsequently reported the assault at a nearby police division.
What are the demands of the abductors?
Another official from the association, Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, confirmed that communication has been established with the criminals. The perpetrators have slammed a N50 million price tag on the freedom of the two captives, leaving members of the disability community distressed over how to raise such a substantial amount.
"The kidnappers have reached out, and they are demanding N50 million before they can free the two persons in their custody," Danjatau lamented. "Where do they want us to get the money from?"
Community leaders have formally lodged a complaint with local security forces, and search-and-rescue operations are reportedly underway to locate and free the victims. Meanwhile, inquiries directed to the Plateau State Police Command through its spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred, yielded no response as calls went unanswered prior to the publication of this report.