A student of University of Jos (UNIJOS), John Arum Azi, has regained freedom after spending 10 days in captivity following his abduction while travelling between states in northern Nigeria.
Family sources confirmed that the student, who studies Early Childhood Education at the university, was released on Wednesday after ransom negotiations with his abductors.
Azi was reportedly kidnapped while travelling from Jos to Zaria, an incident that drew widespread public concern after a video circulated online showing him being maltreated by his captors.
According to the family, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦30 million and threatened to kill the victim if their demands were not met.
Following negotiations, the ransom was reduced to ₦6 million, which was reportedly raised through financial contributions from concerned Nigerians and sympathisers.
Sources also disclosed that the abductors allegedly demanded an additional ₦4 million after receiving the initial payment, further prolonging the negotiation process.
His release was confirmed through a video shared on social media, showing the student reunited with members of his family.
Security analysts say the incident highlights the persistent challenge of kidnapping along major travel routes in parts of northern Nigeria, with families and communities often forced to rely on public support to secure the release of victims.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the student’s release.
