Two visually impaired travellers abducted in Plateau, association says
Two visually impaired travellers were abducted in Plateau’s Riyom Local Government Area on November 2, according to the state chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Shindol Aaron.
Aaron said the incident occurred around 8pm. Nine people were travelling in the vehicle, with seven escaping while a man and a woman were taken away, according to his account.
Group turned back after programme postponement
According to the association’s account, the travellers had set out from Jos for a programme in Benue State but changed course after learning it had been postponed.
Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, a member of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, told Daily Trust that the group received the information around Akwanga and turned back towards Jos.
They were intercepted around Riyom on the return journey, according to the account carried by Trust Radio.
Association member reports ransom demand
Danjatau said the abductors subsequently contacted an association leader and demanded ₦50 million.
Aaron separately said he had been informed of a ransom demand but had not personally spoken with the abductors. IDNN has not independently verified the demand and has no verified information about a payment.
Aaron said security agencies had been notified and the driver had reported the incident at a police station.
Published reports said attempts to obtain a response from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful at filing time. IDNN has not independently contacted the command.
IDNN is withholding the travellers’ identities and has not independently established their current status or welfare.