Fear and outrage have spread across the country after kidnappers demanded a ₦30 million ransom for a student of the University of Jos, identified as John Arum, while circulating distressing footage of him in captivity.
Arum was reportedly abducted by armed bandits along the Kaduna–Jos highway, a route increasingly plagued by kidnappings and violent attacks.
The incident took a chilling turn after the abductors allegedly used the victim’s mobile phone to record and share videos of him being assaulted, posting the footage in his class group chat.
In the widely circulated clips, the student appeared visibly distressed, pleading for his life while being subjected to physical abuse.
A coursemate, Ezikima Asunga, who confirmed the development in a public message, expressed concern that the victim’s family might still be unaware of the abduction due to a lack of direct communication.
The development has sparked widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians decrying the worsening security situation in the country.
Several social media users also noted that the kidnappers appeared unmasked in the footage, raising questions about the possibility of tracking and apprehending them.
Public anger has continued to mount, with calls on security agencies, including the police and the military, to urgently secure the student’s release and bring those responsible to justice.
Observers warned that the incident underscores the growing insecurity on major highways, with many describing the situation as a national crisis requiring immediate intervention.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement or confirm any rescue operation concerning the abducted student.