DANIEL DAUDA, Jos
A kidnapped victim, John Arum Azi has confirmed that his abductors collected a sum of N10.3 million ransom from his family before they released him.
Azi, a graduate of the University of Jos and keyboard technician, said it was troubling to have spent eleven days in captivity as he was beaten mercilessly.
The victim who narrated his ordeal while speaking to Daily Champion on Sunday after a Thanksgiving mass held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Jos, stressed that his experience in the hands of kidnappers was devastating.
He confirmed that on the 11th April, 2026, a strange number called him from Kaduna, asking him to come and set their keyboard as the work was minimal.
“However, I remained skeptical about it but they kept on pleading that I should please assist them. They later sent N15,000 for transformation.
“I now decided to go since it is just a setting. In the early hours of Saturday morning with the intention of going there to finish the work and come back that same day. I went to Farin motor park where I entered a car to Kaduna,” Azi recalled.
He further explained that on reaching Kaduna they took him to Giwa park thereafter they navigated a road to a village which is unknown to him and after arriving the village they pointed gun on his head, saying that he had been kidnapped.
“The seized my phone, my bag with working tools inside and stripped me naked before given me their cloth which I wore.
“They first called my family demanding for N30 million ransom. We spent about 6 hours riding in motorcycle from Kaduna to Zamfara state. I was tired and exhausted.
“My experience in the hands of kidnappers dies not befit humans because I slept on the floor. I received beatings almost everyday. I didn’t drink good water and food for eleven days. I almost died.
“I was the only one kidnapped at that moment. But on reaching there after the payment of N6.1million, the kidnappers still called for additional money that was when I realised there was another person also kidnapped.
“So when they brought that person they joined us together for the rest of the days before our release after the payment of N10.3 million.
“They normally brought food for us in the morning but they have to eat first, using their dirty hands before giving us the remaining food. I didn’t eat comfortably because it did not have any nutrients, but I had to eat because I didn’t have a choice,” Azi added.
Comrade Nyam Vincent Nyam, National President, Afizere Youths Movement (AYM) acknowledged they had struggled to ensure the safe return of Arun.
“We thanked God Almighty for answer prayers. There are many victims despite paying ransom yet the kidnappers couldn’t spare their lives, while there are those who are still struggling.
“We appreciate University of Jos community, private entities, and well-meaning individuals for their generous support both in cash, kind and prayers which enhanced safe return of the victim.
While emphasizing the need for continue unity of purpose amongst all and sundry, the AYM president urged young people to always use social media responsibly.
For a better society
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