Gunmen kidnap two visually impaired travellers in Plateau, demand N50m ransom

Gunmen have abducted two visually impaired persons in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State while they were returning to Jos from Benue State, demanding N50 million for their release.

The victims were among nine persons travelling in a vehicle to attend a training programme in Benue State.

However, seven other passengers reportedly escaped when the gunmen attacked the vehicle on Monday night.

The Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Shindol Aaron, confirmed the incident, saying the victims were kidnapped at about 8pm in Riyom Local Government Area.

He said, “They were selected to attend a training in Benue State and, from what I gathered, they took off from Jos.”

“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.”

“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.”

According to him, the abductors had established contact with someone in connection with the release of the victims.

He said, “This incident happened yesterday, Monday, in the night, around 8pm around Riyom LGA.”

“I have not spoken with the kidnappers, but I was told that they were asking for ransom from somebody who spoke with them.”

Aaron said the incident had been reported to security agencies, adding that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims.

He said, “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 member of the association, Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, who also confirmed the abduction, said the kidnappers had demanded an N50 million ransom.

The member said, “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 obtain the reaction of the Plateau State Police Command spokesman, DSP Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Follow Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!