In a troubling incident in Plateau State, two visually impaired individuals were kidnapped by armed men in the Riyom Local Government Area on November 2, 2026. The victims were part of a group traveling to Benue State for a program organized by the state governor when they were intercepted and abducted.

According to Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, a member of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, the victims were en route to a training event when they received news of its postponement. After learning about the change, they decided to return to Jos. Unfortunately, their vehicle was ambushed around Riyom, leading to their abduction.

Danajatau disclosed that the kidnappers made contact with the association's leader early on November 3, using one of the victims' phones to demand a ransom of N50 million for their release. This alarming demand has raised concerns within the community, particularly among advocates for persons with disabilities.

Shindol Aaron, the Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), confirmed the details of the incident, noting that the victims were taken around 8 p.m. on the day of the abduction. He explained that there were nine individuals in the vehicle at the time, and while seven managed to escape, two were captured by the kidnappers.

The incident has sparked outrage and fear among members of the visually impaired community and their advocates, who are now calling for increased security measures to protect vulnerable groups from such heinous acts. The kidnapping highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in regions where armed groups operate with relative impunity.

As the families of the victims await news, the community is rallying together to demand their safe return and to address the broader issues of safety and security for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The association and JONAPWD are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that the victims are located and returned safely to their families.