Abductors seek ₦30m ransom for kidnapped University of Jos undergraduate

A sense of dread has settled over Nigeria as a shocking video emerged, showing John Arum, a University of Jos student, being held captive by kidnappers. The student was taken by armed bandits while traveling along the notoriously insecure Kaduna–Jos highway.

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The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦30 million in exchange for John Arum's release, a move that has sparked widespread outrage.

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A disturbing turn of events unfolded when the kidnappers allegedly used the victim's phone to record and share footage of him being tortured in his class group chat.

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The video, which has been circulating online, depicts the student in a state of distress, pleading for his life as he is subjected to physical abuse.

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Ezikima Asunga, a fellow student, confirmed the incident publicly, stating that the victim is his coursemate and expressing concern that the student's family may be unaware of the kidnapping.

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The footage has sparked intense condemnation, with many Nigerians expressing anger and frustration over the country's deteriorating security situation.

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Social media users have pointed out that the kidnappers were not wearing masks, raising questions about the potential for identifying and apprehending them.

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Citizens are calling on security agencies, including the police and military, to take swift action to rescue the victim and bring the perpetrators to justice.

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Many have also decried the increasing frequency of such incidents, describing the situation as a national emergency.

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A firsthand account of the incident revealed that John Arum was kidnapped while traveling from Jos to Kaduna, and his captors have been torturing him severely, using his phone to send pictures and videos to his class group.

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According to the account, when John Arum denied being a Christian in an attempt to escape pain, the torture only intensified, and when he called out to Jesus, his captors mocked him and Jesus.

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As of the time of this report, security authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident or any ongoing rescue efforts.