Video:“₦30 Million for a Life? Outrage as University Student Kidnapped, Tortured on Kaduna Road”
By Passman Akpos
A wave of panic, anger, and urgent calls for help has gripped students and residents following the reported abduction of a University of Jos student, identified as John Arum, who was allegedly kidnapped while traveling to Kaduna State.
According to multiple distress messages circulating across WhatsApp groups and social platforms, the victim was abducted en route, with kidnappers initially demanding a staggering ₦30 million ransom. In a chilling twist, a disturbing video—allegedly recorded using the victim’s own phone—was shared within his school community, showing him in severe distress.
Sources within the student community described the footage as “heartbreaking and traumatic,” sparking widespread outrage and fear among colleagues who say John is “someone we sit with in class, someone we know personally.”
Following intense negotiations, reports indicate the ransom demand has now been reduced to between ₦4 million and ₦5 million. Community leaders and youth organizations, particularly the Afizere Youths Movement (AYM), have since launched an emergency fundraising appeal to secure his release.
In an official appeal, AYM President Nyam Vincent Nyam called on “spirited stakeholders” and the general public to contribute any amount possible, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
“This is a race against time. He is reportedly being beaten mercilessly. Every contribution, no matter how small, could help save a life,” the statement read.
The group has provided an account for donations, urging Nigerians to act swiftly as fears grow over the victim’s safety.
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Meanwhile, the incident has reignited fierce debate over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, particularly along highways connecting major northern cities. Allegations that the perpetrators are armed criminal groups operating in the region have further fueled calls for decisive government action.
Security experts warn that kidnapping for ransom has become a deeply entrenched criminal enterprise, with students, commuters, and rural dwellers increasingly becoming targets.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the incident, and it remains unclear what steps authorities have taken to secure the victim’s release.
The University of Jos community, alongside concerned Nigerians, continues to amplify calls for help online using hashtags like #SaveJohnArum and #EndInsecurity, hoping to draw national attention to the case.
For many, this is no longer just another headline—it is a painful reminder of a growing crisis.
“This could be any of us,” one student said. “We just want him back alive.”
