A 28-year-old student of the University of Jos, John Arum Azi, was kidnapped along the Kaduna road while traveling for a job assignment.
According to reports, Azi left Jos for Kaduna after he was called by a client for work. He was abducted by unknown gunmen who subjected him to severe torture.
A distressing video of the assault was later sent to his class WhatsApp group, showing the young man in a very bad condition.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦20 million. After negotiations, the amount was reportedly reduced to ₦5 million. Family and friends are currently raising funds to secure his release.
This incident has sparked outrage among students, lecturers, and the general public, with many describing it as another sad reminder of the persistent insecurity on Nigerian highways, particularly the Jos-Kaduna route, which has gained notoriety for frequent kidnappings in recent years.
Kaduna Road has become one of the most dangerous routes in the country, with several cases of abduction, robbery, and killing reported almost weekly.
Students, traders, and civil servants who regularly travel this road live in constant fear.
The case of John Arum Azi has once again raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures on major highways.
Many are calling on the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to swing into action, track the kidnappers, and bring them to justice.
Parents and students have appealed to the federal government and state authorities to intensify efforts in securing the Jos-Kaduna highway and other flashpoints across the country.
As at the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the University of Jos or the police on the incident.
The family is still pleading for help to meet the ransom demand and secure the safe release of the young student.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a disturbing trend in parts of Nigeria.
Many hope that swift action by security agencies will help deter future occurrences and restore some level of confidence on the nation’s roads.