A wave of fear and anger has spread across Nigeria following reports of the abduction of a student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), identified as John Arum, along the notorious Kaduna–Jos highway.
According to reports, the student was kidnapped by suspected bandits while travelling between Kaduna and Jos, a route increasingly associated with insecurity and abductions. His captors are reportedly demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.
The situation escalated after the abductors allegedly used the victim’s phone to record and circulate distressing videos of him to his class group chat. The footage, which has since spread online, shows the student pleading for his life while being subjected to abuse.
A fellow student, Ezikima Asunga, confirmed the incident, stating that the victim is his coursemate. He also raised concerns that the student’s family might not yet be aware of the situation, as there has reportedly been no direct communication with them.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the worsening security situation in the country. Social media users have also noted that the attackers were not masked, raising questions about whether they can be identified and brought to justice.
Public reactions have intensified, with calls for urgent intervention by security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the military to secure the student’s release and apprehend those responsible.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from authorities regarding the abduction or any rescue efforts.
What you should know
The abduction of the UNIJOS student highlights the growing insecurity on major highways in Nigeria, particularly routes like Kaduna–Jos.
The use of victims’ phones to spread distressing content marks a troubling trend aimed at increasing pressure for ransom payments. Public outrage reflects deep concerns about safety and the perceived slow response of authorities.
The incident underscores the urgent need for improved security measures, intelligence gathering, and rapid response systems to combat kidnapping and restore public confidence across the country.
