Kidnapped UniJos ex-student regains freedom after days in captivity

John Azi, a University of Jos graduate, abducted along the Jos–Kaduna highway nearly two weeks ago has reportedly regained freedom after days in captivity, bringing relief to family members, colleagues, and members of the university community.

Azi was said to have been kidnapped while travelling from Plateau State to Kaduna, alongside other passengers, on a route that has continued to record repeated cases of abductions and armed attacks, raising serious security concerns among commuters.

Reports indicated that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of N30 million from his family for his release. After negotiations, the amount was reportedly reduced to N10 million, but the family was only able to raise N6 million at an early stage of the ordeal.

However, sources familiar with the situation said the kidnappers later insisted that the full N10 million must be completed before Azi could be released, prolonging anxiety and confusion within his family and online circles where conflicting rumours about his condition emerged.

The University of Jos Alumni Association also launched a fundraising initiative to support efforts aimed at securing his release, appealing to members, friends, and the public to contribute towards the ransom demand and other emergency logistics, in a bid to ensure the safe return of the abducted ex-student during the period of his captivity.

At one point, unverified reports suggested that he had been killed in captivity, sparking widespread panic on social media, though the abductors later appeared in a video dismissing the claims and insisting he was still alive.

His release was later confirmed on Wednesday in a video circulating online, showing him in a weak but stable condition after regaining freedom along the northern route around Funtua en route Zaria.

The development was also confirmed to BusinessDay in a telephone interview on Wednesday with Peter Gad, the global president of the University of Jos Alumni.

“Yes, he has been released, we thank God. Thanks for your support,” Gad said, confirming the news while expressing relief over Arum’s safe return.

Details surrounding the exact circumstances of his release remain unclear at the time of filing this report.