Daud Olatunji
Two visually impaired persons have been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, with their abductors reportedly demanding a ransom of N50m for their release.
The victims, identified as a man and a woman, were reportedly kidnapped at about 8pm on Monday while returning to Jos from Benue State, where they had been selected to participate in a training programme.
The incident was confirmed on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Shindol Aaron, who expressed concern over the fate of the abducted persons.
Aaron disclosed that the victims were among nine persons travelling in the same vehicle when they encountered the suspected kidnappers along their route.
According to him, the travellers had initially departed Jos for Benue State to attend the training but were forced to return after receiving information that the programme had been postponed.
He explained that the attackers struck as the group was making its way back to Jos, leaving seven occupants to escape while two were taken away.
“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,” Aaron said.
He said the association had yet to establish direct contact with the kidnappers but had received information that a ransom demand had been made.
Aaron added that the incident had been reported to security agencies, while efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ freedom.
“I have not spoken with the kidnappers, but I was told that they were asking for ransom from somebody who spoke with them,” he said.
The association chairman further disclosed that the driver of the vehicle had reported the incident to the police as part of efforts to facilitate the victims’ rescue.
However, another member of the association, who also confirmed the abduction, said the kidnappers had contacted their representatives and demanded N50m before releasing the two victims.
“The kidnappers have reached out, and they are demanding N50m before they could free the two persons in their custody. Where do they want us to get the money from?” the member lamented.
The development has raised fresh concerns over the vulnerability of persons with disabilities to insecurity, particularly when travelling for educational, professional and other public engagements.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached for comments on the incident.
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