Bandits have demanded a ransom of N4 million for the release of John Arum Azi, a student of the University of Jos, Plateau state, who was reportedly abducted while travelling to Kaduna.
The incident, which has sparked widespread concern, was brought to public attention by the “Unijosnoisemaker” through its X handle @ujnoisemaker.
According to the post, the kidnappers initially demanded N30 million but later reduced the amount to N4 million after negotiations.
A disturbing video shared on X by Unijosnoisemaker showed the victim being severely beaten with sticks by two of his captors while the third one was pointing a gun at him.
The kidnappers also threatened to kill him if the ransom was not paid.
Azi who was crying following the brutally was pleading with his captors to call his family once again for the payment of the ransom.
The footage was said to have been sent to his family to pressure them into meeting the demand.
Meanwhile, Unijosnoisemaker has launched an appeal for financial assistance to secure Azi’s release.
It appealed to well meaning Nigerians to contribute towards raising the ransom and provided details of an Ecobank account number- 2391302740 belonging to the Afizere Youth Movement (AYM) for donations.
It also provided contact of the President of AYM, Nyam Vincent Nyam.
The development has triggered reactions from Nigerians on social media, many of whom lamented the worsening security situation in the country.
Some described the trend as evidence of a failing system in which citizens are increasingly vulnerable to the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements.
