Abducted UNIJOS graduate freed after two weeks in captivity

A graduate of the University of Jos, John Azi Arum, has regained his freedom after spending about two weeks in the hands of kidnappers.

Arum was abducted along the Jos–Kaduna highway while travelling from Plateau State to Kaduna, in an incident that also saw six other passengers taken by the gunmen.

His ordeal drew widespread attention after disturbing videos surfaced online showing him being tortured by his captors.

News of his release was confirmed on Wednesday by the Global President of the University of Jos Alumni Association, Peter Gad Shamaki, who described the development as a welcome relief.

At a point, unverified reports suggested that he had been killed in captivity, sparking widespread anger and panic on social media, though the abductors later appeared in a video dismissing the claims and insisting he was still alive.

His release was later confirmed on Wednesday in a video circulating online, showing him in a weak but stable condition after regaining freedom along the northern route around Funtua en route Zaria.

Details surrounding the exact circumstances of his release remain unclear at the time of filing this report.

Reports indicated that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of N30m from his family for his release.

After negotiations, the amount was reportedly reduced to N10m, but the family was only able to raise N6m at an early stage of the ordeal.

However, sources familiar with the situation said the kidnappers later insisted that the full N10m must be completed before Azi could be released, prolonging anxiety and confusion within his family and online circles where conflicting rumours about his condition emerged.

The University of Jos Alumni Association also launched a fundraising initiative to support efforts aimed at securing his release, appealing to members, friends, and the public to contribute towards the ransom demand and other emergency logistics, in a bid to ensure the safe return of the abducted ex-student during the period of his captivity.

Shamaki said the victim has safely returned and reunited with his family, bringing an end to days of anxiety among friends, colleagues and members of the university community.

“We are relieved and grateful. John Arum has been safely released and is now back home with his family. This is a moment of thanksgiving,” he said.

He called for continued support and prayers for the graduate’s recovery, noting that the experience would require time and care to overcome.

Shamaki also urged the public not to forget others still in captivity, expressing hope that they too would regain their freedom soon.

As of the time of filing this report, the fate of the other passengers abducted alongside Arum remains unclear.