A chilling video has surfaced online showing a student of the University of Jos (Uni-Jos), identified as John Arum Azi, pleading for his life after being abducted by gunmen. The victim was reportedly intercepted along the notorious Kaduna highway while traveling to the state, alongside six other commuters.
The Distressing Appeal
The video, which has gone viral across Nigerian social media platforms, was reportedly uploaded to Facebook by a coursemate of the victim. It is believed the abductors used Azi’s personal phone to record and transmit the message to force his family and the public into a hasty payment.
- The Situation: Azi appears visibly traumatized in the footage, surrounded by armed men.
- The Ransom: The kidnappers have placed a ₦30 million price tag on his freedom.
- The Threat: According to the victim’s appeal, the abductors threatened to execute him after he informed them his family could not raise the exorbitant sum.
Persistent Insecurity on Northern Highways
This latest abduction underscores the extreme danger persistent on major transit routes in North-West Nigeria. Despite the recent deployment of tactical units to Kaduna and Katsina by AIG Bello Shehu just days ago, the “Kaduna route” remains a high-risk corridor for students and travelers.
Affected Regions in April 2026: The current wave of kidnapping for ransom continues to devastate several states, including:
- Kaduna and Zamfara: Hubs for highway ambushes.
- Katsina and Sokoto: Frequent raids on rural communities.
- Niger and Kogi: Strategic transit points for travelers moving between the North and South.
Government and Security Response
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Kaduna State Police Command and the University of Jos management have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the kidnapping or the authenticity of the ransom demand.
The incident has triggered a wave of outrage among the student community, with many calling for the immediate rescue of Azi and the six others. This follows a broader trend of “student targeting” in the region, reminiscent of the 2021 Greenfield University tragedy, though security agencies maintain that specialized “high-dominance patrols” are active in the area.
As a contributor to digital news portals, I create content that highlights real-world experiences and evolving viewpoints. My writing combines clarity with relevance to engage readers effectively. I am committed to delivering content that is both informative and relatable.
