Gunmen on the Jos to Akwanga road abducted two visually impaired delegation members and demanded N50 million.
Two members of the Nigeria Association for the Blind in Plateau State were kidnapped by suspected gunmen on Monday night, November, while traveling along the Jos to Akwanga road in Riyom Local Government Area.
The abductors are demanding a massive N50 million ransom for the safe release of the two victims, who are visually impaired individuals returning to their base after a sudden program postponement, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
The incident unfolded when a nine-man delegation traveling from Jos to Benue State received news that their scheduled event was put on hold, forcing them to turn back before armed men ambushed their vehicle in Riyom.
Ambush Along Riyom Local Government Area Route
Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, a member of the association, explained to newsmen in Jos that the delegation was halfway to their destination when they learned about the postponement.
After reaching Akwanga, the team had to turn back toward Jos. Around Riyom, heavily armed men intercepted their vehicle, launching the violent abduction that targeted the vulnerable passengers.
Seven Delegation Members Escape Attack
Out of the nine individuals inside the vehicle, seven managed to escape the clutches of the gunmen during the chaotic nighttime operation in Plateau State.
Unfortunately, the attackers successfully captured two passengers, leaving one male and one female victim in the custody of the violent criminals who are now demanding a heavy financial payout.
Kidnappers Demand N50 Million Ransom Payment
The abductors established initial contact around 7:00 am on Tuesday, using one of the captive victim mobile phones to negotiate with a designated negotiator.
Shindol Aaron, chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, confirmed the timeline and the desperate situation facing the families.
Police Response and Official Security Status
Local authorities and security forces have been slow to process the incident officially, highlighting communication gaps across jurisdictional boundaries in the region.
A police source revealed that the matter had not yet been formally reported through official channels, noting that incidents occurring outside Jos often face reporting delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the kidnapping of the blind association members happen?
The kidnapping occurred along the Jos to Akwanga road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
How much ransom are the kidnappers demanding?
The armed abductors are demanding an N50 million ransom for the release of the two visually impaired victims.
How many people were in the vehicle during the attack?
There were nine members of the Nigeria Association for the Blind in the vehicle, and seven managed to escape.
Who confirmed the abduction incident?
Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau and Shindol Aaron, chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Plateau State, confirmed the incident.
