Two members of the Nigeria Association for the Blind in Plateau State were kidnapped by suspected gunmen along the Jos – Akwanga road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The victims, who are visually impaired, were part of a nine-man delegation traveling from Jos to Benue State to attend a programme. They were kidnapped on Monday night while returning to Jos after receiving information that the programme had been postponed.
According to Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, a member of the association, the delegation had reached Akwanga before receiving the information about the postponement of the event and had to turn back to Jos. The kidnappers later made contact with a negotiator, asking for a N50 million ransom for the release of the victims. The abductors made contact around 7am on Tuesday, using one of the victims' phones.
The Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Shindol Aaron, confirmed the incident. He said the victims were abducted around 8pm in Riyom LGA while returning to Jos. Aaron stated that the victims were selected to attend a training in Benue State and were on their way back to Jos when they encountered kidnappers.
Seven members of the delegation escaped, leaving a male and a female in the custody of the kidnappers. According to Aaron, the abductors had established contact with someone in connection with the release of the victims, and were demanding a ransom. However, he had not spoken with the kidnappers directly.
A police source expressed uncertainty about whether the incident had been reported to the police. The source stated that normally, the report would come from the divisional police officer, but if it didn't happen within Jos, the report would not be relayed to Plateau. The police have not made an official statement on the incident.
The kidnapping of the two blind individuals has raised concerns about the security situation in Plateau State. The incident highlights the vulnerability of people with disabilities to kidnapping and other forms of violence. Efforts are being made to secure the release of the victims, but the situation remains uncertain.
The incident is under investigation, and authorities are working to ensure the safe release of the kidnapped individuals. The Plateau State government and disability organizations are likely to face pressure to take action to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety of people with disabilities.
Key points
- The kidnappers are demanding a N50 million ransom for the release of the two blind individuals.
- The victims were kidnapped while returning to Jos after receiving information that the programme they were attending had been postponed.
- Seven members of the delegation escaped, leaving a male and a female in the custody of the kidnappers.
