• UNIJOS alumni demand swift rescue of abducted graduate
A Plateau State resident, John Arum, seen in a viral video being beaten by his abductors, is a recent graduate of the University of Jos who was preparing to enrol in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

According to associates, Arum was abducted along the Jos–Kaduna highway, with his captors demanding a ransom of N30 million.

The incident has drawn widespread outrage following the circulation of a video showing the young graduate being assaulted in an open bush.

In the footage, he lies face-down with a stone placed on his back while two kidnappers beat him. Sources said the video was recorded with the victim’s mobile phone and circulated on WhatsApp to pressure his family and associates into paying the ransom.

Confirming the incident, Arum’s employer, Mr Jethro Akau, described him as a diligent and well-mannered young man who had completed his studies and was awaiting mobilisation for the NYSC.

He said the victim worked as a technician, specialising in the repair, servicing and installation of musical equipment.

Akau explained that Arum travelled on Saturday after receiving an invitation to Kaduna to fix faulty equipment.

“Later, when I tried reaching him, his phone was switched off. It was his elder brother who eventually informed me that he had been kidnapped,” he said.

He expressed distress over the development, noting that the victim was trusted and dependable.

“I am deeply pained. This is a young man with a future, someone committed to his work and always ready to learn.

It is heartbreaking to see him in such a condition. I am appealing to those holding him to show mercy. He is innocent and hardworking. We are all worried and praying for his safe return,” he added.

Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) expressed deep concern over the abduction of Azi.

It called on security agencies to act swiftly for his immediate and safe release. In a statement by its Global President, Gad Shamaki Peter, the association described the incident as more than a mere headline, emphasising that “this is one of our own.” “We are deeply troubled by the news and circulating reports of a fellow Josite who has been kidnapped.

“The University of Jos Alumni Association stands united in concern, in prayer, and in hope for his safe and immediate return.“At a time like this, silence is not an option. We call on the appropriate authorities to act swiftly and decisively to ensure his rescue. Every moment matters.”

Azi was abducted by suspected bandits along the Jos–Kaduna highway while travelling to Kaduna to repair musical equipment for a client.

His captors are demanding N30 million as ransom.A disturbing viral video, reportedly recorded with the victim’s phone and sent to his coursemates, has sparked widespread outrage.The UJAA urged its members and the public to amplify the call for action while sharing information responsibly to keep the conversation active and pressure relevant authorities.The association stressed solidarity among its members, adding: “When one Josite is in distress, we all stand together.”At press time, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, even as calls continue to mount for urgent intervention to secure the victim’s release and tackle the rising cases of kidnapping along major highways in the country.