UNIJOS Student Freed After Brutal 10-Day Kidnap Ordeal

JOS — Relief and tears marked the return of John Arum Azi, an Early Childhood Education student at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), who regained his freedom on Wednesday after spending 10 grueling days in the custody of bandits.

​Azi was intercepted by gunmen while in transit from Jos, Plateau State, to Zaria, Kaduna State—a route that has increasingly become a flashpoint for highway abductions. His disappearance sparked nationwide outrage last week when his captors released a harrowing video on social media. The footage, which showed the student being subjected to physical battery while pleading for his life, ignited a frantic crowdfunding campaign by students and well-wishers.

​The Ransom Negotiation

​The kidnappers initially set a staggering N30 million price on Azi’s life, threatening execution if the demands were not met. However, following a series of tense negotiations with the family, the sum was narrowed down to N6 million.

​Sources close to the family revealed that the final stages of the release were marred by “bad faith” from the abductors. Despite receiving the agreed N6 million—raised largely through the contributions of “concerned Nigerians”—the gang reportedly attempted to extort an additional N4 million before finally letting the student go.

​A Community in Trauma

​A video shared by the family on Wednesday evening captured the moment of Azi’s return. While he has been reunited with his loved ones, the physical and psychological toll of the ordeal was evident.

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​”We thank God and every Nigerian who contributed their widow’s mite to save our son,” a family representative stated, though they declined to comment on whether the additional N4 million demand was fulfilled.

​Heightened Security Concerns

​The incident has renewed calls for increased security patrols along the Jos-Zaria corridor. Student unions at UNIJOS have expressed growing anxiety over the safety of their members traveling for academic and personal reasons.

​The Plateau State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding any arrests made in connection with the kidnapping. Meanwhile, security experts continue to warn travelers against night trips and to remain vigilant on federal highways currently plagued by nomadic banditry.

​Azi is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed facility to address the injuries sustained during his captivity.